Cocaine was not detected in 68 samples of Red Bull products, according to the result released on Thursday by the Hong Kong government. The overall results do not reveal a systemic problem with Red Bull products.

The 68 samples of Red Bull products were obtained from local retail outlets and traders, collected after the earlier testing of 21 samples, among which five were found to contain traces of cocaine in the range of 0.1-0.3 microgram per liter, according to the result released on June 4.

A government spokesman said, "The overall results to date do not reveal a systemic problem with Red Bull products."

The testing was carried out in response to media reports of Red Bull products containing traces of cocaine found in other regions. The authorities in Hong Kong have since May 27 collected samples of such products found in local retail outlets and sent in by local traders, including the Hong Kong office of Red Bull GmhB.

Cocaine is a dangerous drug regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Possession of dangerous drugs could be a criminal offense, subject to substantial penalty of imprisonment and fine. But no prosecution is intended this time, regarding to the specific circumstances of the case, including the absence of prior knowledge of the cocaine content in the product, the spokesman said.

"The Hong Kong office of Red Bull GmhB was informed of the latest results and reminded once again it is the responsibility of manufacturers and traders themselves to ensure that their products are free from dangerous drugs in the future," the spokesman said.

The Hong Kong office of Red Bull GmhB has given an assurance that its products are cocaine free. The authorities will continue to monitor Red Bull products in the market place. Further testing may be arranged if and when necessary.

(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2009)