FDA to recall workout energy drinks amid Kiefer's FIBA suspension

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said the agency would conduct an immediate review of the workout and energy drinks in the market in light of the suspension of basketball player Kiefer Ravena in an international league.

“I will immediately direct a thorough review of these products to protect the health and fitness conscious public,” FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno said in a release.

Ravena was suspended by FIBA from international competition for 18 months after his urine sample off a random drug examination tested positive for three substances prohibited from the World Anti-Doping Agency list which FIBA follows in its anti-doping policy. These are Higenamine, 1,3-Dimethylbutylamine, and 4-Methylhexan-2-amine.

Puno then ordered the review of the drinks after Ravena clarified that he does not take drugs but he unknowingly took banned substance from a pre-workout drink before a game against Japan last February 25. 

READ: Kiefer Ravena: I don't do drugs

Reports identified the pre-working drink as “DUST.”

Ravena, who apologized for the suspension, said he "takes full responsibility for his actions” and noted that athletes should learn from his case that not everything they buy over the counter is legal.

Puno said the FDA will appreciate the help and cooperation of Ravena on this. 

Under the Republic Act 9711 or the FDA Act of 2009, the agency is mandated “to ensure the safety, efficacy, purity, and quality of food products, medicines, cosmetics and medical devices.”

On Monday, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced that they received  a communication from FIBA informing them that Ravena had failed a drug test conducted on February 25.

Ravena is supposed to play for Gilas’ games in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

.@kieferravena makes one big clarification: pic.twitter.com/NIN1b6SstS

— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrd) May 28, 2018

— Rosette Adel