Students sickened from drink sold at school

A number of students at a New Jersey middle school became ill after drinking a drink they had purchased in the cafeteria.

One student said, "It was like a zombiefest."

Some students spit up and threw up. Others said they were drowsy and lethargic after drinking it.

The drink was identified as Marley's Mellow Mood, named after the dead reggae star Bob Marley.

It's described as the "anti-energy drink" and says it contains 100% natural, calming botanicals.

The William R. Satz school in Holmdel sent a letter to parents saying: "several students went to our nurse's office to report symptoms of nausea, headaches, light-headiness, and a feeling of lethargy."

It encouraged parents to follow-up with their family doctor if their children continued to exhibit similar symptoms.

The incident happened on Nov. 30, 2012 but was first reported by Fox 5 News on Monday.

Parent Toni Monticciolo says, "They should never have sold that to 12-year-olds."

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..."

A spokesperson for the company with the dining hall food contract issued a statement saying, "We were informed that Marley's was a new product that did not go through the approval process required for all new products."

The drinks have since been removed from the schools and Chartwells School Dining Services says the on-site manager has been removed pending an investigation.

It said:  "We sincerely regret that this product was sold and that students had an adverse reaction to it."