Several workers in Australia have reported testing positive for methamphetamine during workplace drug screenings after consuming EHPlabs OxyShred, a popular energy drink marketed as a thermogenic fat burner. Similar claims have emerged from individuals who reportedly tested positive in roadside drug tests after consuming the beverage.
The concerns, which circulated on social media and were reported by media outlets, involve FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) workers who claimed positive results on routine workplace drug tests following their consumption of OxyShred. The drink is designed to increase metabolic rate, boost energy, and aid fat loss.
A woman who identified herself as a FIFO worker stated that she experienced a similar situation, testing positive on an oral swab from the product, which she claims was only disproven by a subsequent blood test. The claims have sparked debate online, with some users suggesting the drink could be used as an excuse for failing drug tests, while others shared similar personal experiences.
These reports follow a separate incident in Sydney where a dental nurse claimed she tested positive for methamphetamine during a police roadside drug test after drinking OxyShred. According to her account, she was pulled over for a random test after a gym workout, and the initial roadside saliva test indicated a positive result for meth, leading to her arrest pending further testing.
Traffic law experts have commented on the accuracy of roadside drug tests. According to Karen Stanley, a legal expert, roadside saliva tests are initial screening tools. A positive result can lead to further laboratory analysis, which may take days or weeks. Stanley noted that these initial tests can sometimes produce false positives due to legal substances, such as medications or certain ingredients, triggering a reaction similar to illicit drugs. She indicated that while lab results typically clear individuals, the process can be costly and time-consuming to resolve.
EHPlabs, the global manufacturer of OxyShred, has stated that its products have received approval from authorities including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Anti-Doping Agency. However, the company does not guarantee specific outcomes for workplace drug testing.