Ammo ‘herbal’ drink irresponsible

New Zealand Institute of Environmental Health Inc
MEDIA RELEASE
26 April 2005

Ammo ‘herbal’ drink irresponsible

Sale of the ‘herbal’ energy drink Ammo is irresponsible according to the Institute of Environmental Health.

The drink, which has been subject to a Food Safety Authority censure, contains benzylpiperazine a synthetic drug commonly called BZP.

The drug is a stimulant that the US Drug Intelligence Centre says is approximately 10 to 20 times more potent than amphetamine.

BZP is not a permitted food additive in New Zealand under the Food Code and should not be in any food, including drinks.

The risks associated with BZP abuse are reported to be similar to those associated with amphetamine abuse. Stimulants, including BZP and amphetamine, decrease appetite, dilate pupils, and increase blood pressure and heart and respiration rates.

“Retailers, such as dairies, that are selling Ammo are breaking the law and potentially putting young people’s health at risk” said a spokesperson for the Institute of Environmental Health whose members are responsible for enforcing food Regulations.

It is one thing to market a drink containing a non-permitted food additive, but to market a drink containing a drug such as BZP that could be purchased by anyone including children is unconscionable asserts the Institute of Environmental Health.

http://www.nzieh.org.nz

ENDS

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