Health Canada is warning Canadians that Pace, a shot-sized drink that is being promoted as an alcohol substitute, contains an active ingredient—5-methoxy-2-aminoindane (MEAI)—that is similar in structure to amphetamines and may pose serious health risks. Pace is being sold online by the Diet Alcohol Corporation of the Americas.

While the product is being promoted as a beverage by the company, this product would be regulated as a drug in Canada and would require approval before it could be sold to Canadians. This product has not been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness or quality, and its sale has not been authorized by Heath Canada.