The popular energy drink Red Bull is facing a nationwide ban in Germany after traces of cocaine were found in the beverage.

Authorities in Hesse and North-Rhine Westphalia have ordered retailers to stop selling the energy soft drink after traces of de-cocainized extract of coca leaf were found.

The consumer ministries in the two states confirmed they had ordered retailers to pull the drink off their shelves after a food safety institute in North-Rhine Westphalia found the drug in samples.

Authorities said the cocaine levels do not pose a health threat but are not permitted in foodstuffs, meaning the drink must be classified as a narcotic and thus needs a special license.

Giant German retail group Rewe had already issued orders to remove the energy drink from its shops, and spokesman for the North-Rhine Westphalia consumer ministry said he expected most other German states to follow suit and ban the drink.

Meanwhile, Red Bull Cola has protested the action, with a spokesman saying, "De-cocainized extract of coca leaf is used worldwide in foods as a natural flavoring." They also said that Red Bull Cola as well as other food that contains coca leaf extract is considered safe in the EU as well as in the US.