Former UFC star and popular podcast host Brendan Schaub has recently promoted a controversial beverage called Safety Shot, which claims to reduce blood alcohol content (BAC) in as little as 30 minutes.
In a social media post coinciding with the start of the college football season, Schaub encouraged his followers to “Grab you some Safety shot” while watching games and drinking with friends. He claimed the product would “keep the celebration rolling and wake up Sunday FRESH.”
Schaub’s promotion comes amid growing scrutiny of Safety Shot. FDA has reportedly launched an investigation into the company following complaints about its claims. Safety Shot asserts it can reduce BAC by up to 50% in just 30 minutes, a claim that has raised eyebrows among experts and regulators alike.
In a video advertisement featuring Schaub, the former star touts Safety Shot as a “clinically proven” way to reduce blood alcohol content rapidly. The ad suggests using the product as a “sidekick” when drinking at social events like barbecues or while watching sports.
This isn’t the first time Schaub has made questionable promotional choices. He previously once claimed his son was cured of epilepsy by CBD which he also gave to a now deceased family member.
However, the FDA investigation, revealed through a Freedom of Information Act request, indicates that multiple complaints have been filed questioning the scientific basis and safety of Safety Shot’s claims. One complaint noted that the product’s assertion that “alcohol gets converted into sugar thus detoxing blood alcohol levels” is “simply not possible.”
Another complaint raised concerns about the potential dangers if intoxicated individuals consume Safety Shot and then attempt to drive or operate machinery, believing their BAC has been significantly lowered.
The controversy surrounding Safety Shot has also led to the resignation of the sole doctor on the company’s board earlier this year.
As the FDA investigation continues, questions remain about the efficacy and safety of Safety Shot. Schaub’s promotion of the product highlights the complex issues surrounding celebrity endorsements of unproven health claims, particularly when it comes to alcohol consumption and its effects.
While Schaub encourages his fans to use Safety Shot to enhance their sports-watching experience, health experts and regulators continue to emphasize that there is no safe way to rapidly reduce blood alcohol content other than allowing time for the body to metabolize alcohol naturally.
