Cocaine Found in Red Bull Energy Drink

Red Bull has been banned in six states in Germany after a test revealed that the energy drink contained trace amounts of cocaine.

The bans began on Friday after authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia state conducted a sample test that found 0.4 micrograms per liter in the popular drink.

Five other states followed suit with the bans amid concerns over possible narcotics law violations.

Red Bull issued a statement saying the cola is “harmless and marketable in both the U.S. and Europe.” It said similar coca leaf extracts are used worldwide as flavoring, and a test it commissioned itself found no cocaine traces.

On Monday, Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment said that the cocaine level was too low to pose a health risk. It planned to produce a more detailed report on Wednesday.