Bob Marley Drink 'Mellow Mood' Removed From NJ Schools after Students Get Sick, 'Anti-Energy Relaxation' Drink Not Intended for Kids

Reports confirm that officials have removed the Bob Marley-inspired anti-energy drink Mellow Mood from New Jersey school cafeterias after several students at a NJ middle school got sick from consuming the "relaxation" beverage. The Bob Marley-esque drink contains 100% natural, calming botanicals and is meant to promote reduced stress. Even so, the nutrition label on the can claims that consumption "may cause drowsiness" and is "not intended for children."

The Asbury Park Press reports that a number of young students purchased the Mellow Mood beverage at a cafeteria vending machine at the William R. Satz Middle School in Holmdel, NJ on Friday, Nov. 30 (Holmdel High School also offered the anti-energy drink on school grounds). After finishing the beverage, many kids spit and threw up, and several complained that they were queasy, drowsy, and lethargic. The middle school then sent out an official notice to all parents and families which read: "Several students went to our nurse's office to report symptoms of nausea, headaches, light-headiness, and a feeling of lethargy." The school district's food service provider has removed a manager pending an investigation and Chartwells School Dining Services also has removed the Marley product from both Holmdel schools. Chartwells issued a statement insisting that the company is taking this situation "very seriously." It is still unclear exactly what the symptoms of the ill children were, or what ingredients actually caused the extreme reactions.

The nutrition label on Mellow Mood reads: The label of the drink contains: "The all-natural botanical ingredients in this product have been specially blended to mellow your mood, and may cause drowsiness. Best enjoyed when you are ready to relax. Do not mix with alcohol. Not intended for children..."

FYI: This incident follows a recent lawsuit settled by Marley's widow and nine of his children against the reggae legend's half-brother, Richard Booker. Members of the Marley clan filed for trademark infringement, claiming Booker was selling a variety of products (including drinks) by wrongfully using Bob's iconic face on them.