Ammo on sale for adults only

The controversial herbal energy drink Ammo has been withdrawn from sale at dairies but it will continue to be available in adult locations such as specialty shops and nightclubs.

"The manufacturers of the drink Ammo, which contains BZP [benzylpiperazine], have taken a responsible step in withdrawing this product from the dairy drink fridges, but clearly some legal controls are required," said Matt Bowden, chairman of the Social Tonics Association of New Zealand (Stanz).

London Underground, makers of Ammo, withdrew it following a complaint from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority on Friday that the drink contained BZP, which was not a permitted food ingredient.

On Sunday, NZPA incorrectly reported that Stanz had lodged the complaint that the drink contained benzylpiperazine.

The association said it would not lay a complaint against one of its members; it would deal with it internally first.

- NZPA