Addition of caffeine to kid's foods like chewing gum and jelly beans is dangerous, warns US food and drug regulator.
Food and Drug Administration deputy commissioner Michael Taylor said the rise in such caffeine-added products outside the beverage industry was "very disturbing," after candy giant Mars Inc. announced a caffeinated version of its Wrigley gum.
Caffeine and Decaffeination
Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant alkaloid commonly found in many of the products we consume daily. Excess intake of caffeine can lead to symptoms similar to substance addiction.
Advertisement
That was added last month to a slew of "high energy" foods on the market sporting substantial added caffeine, including pancake syrups, instant oatmeal, waffles, potato chips, marshmallows and sunflower seeds.
"We believe that some in the food industry are on a dubious, potentially dangerous path," Taylor said in a comment on the FDA website.
"The gum is just one more unfortunate example of the trend to add caffeine to food."
![Study Proves Coffee, Tea, Caffeine Energy Drinks or Tablets Help Prevent Road Crash Risk]( "Study Proves Coffee, Tea, Caffeine Energy Drinks or Tablets Help Prevent Road Crash Risk")
Those who say coffee, tea, caffeine energy drinks or tablets prevent dangerous drowsiness while driving have been proved right by recent research among long-distance commercial drivers in Australia.
"One pack of this gum is like having four cups of coffee in your pocket."
In late April, Wrigley, the longtime popular chewing gum brand, introduced its Alert Energy Caffeine Gum, saying the product is aimed for adults and "lets people control the amount of caffeine they want on-the-go."
But critics say Wrigley products are generally available on the market to people of all ages.
"Our concern is about caffeine appearing in a range of new products, including ones that may be attractive and readily available to children and adolescents, without careful consideration of their cumulative impact," Taylor said.
Taylor said the FDA has not specifically regulated caffeine use since it first allowed the pick-up to be added to colas in the 1950s.
The rules it has in place, though, "never anticipated the current proliferation of caffeinated products."
In 2010, the FDA moved to block the addition of caffeine in alcoholic beverages, and late last year raised questions about high-caffeine "energy drinks" after several deaths were linked to the consumption of one brand, Monster Energy.
But Taylor said the FDA was especially worried about caffeine added to foods children might easily eat, and was considering whether to place limits on it.
He called on the industry to practice voluntary restraint while the FDA studies the issue.
"We hope this can be a turning point for all to prevent the irresponsible addition of caffeine to food and beverages."
Source: AFP
"The gum is just one more unfortunate example of the trend to add caffeine to food."
Study Proves Coffee, Tea, Caffeine Energy Drinks or Tablets Help Prevent Road Crash Risk
Those who say coffee, tea, caffeine energy drinks or tablets prevent dangerous drowsiness while driving have been proved right by recent research among long-distance commercial drivers in Australia.
Advertisement
"One pack of this gum is like having four cups of coffee in your pocket."
In late April, Wrigley, the longtime popular chewing gum brand, introduced its Alert Energy Caffeine Gum, saying the product is aimed for adults and "lets people control the amount of caffeine they want on-the-go."
But critics say Wrigley products are generally available on the market to people of all ages.
"Our concern is about caffeine appearing in a range of new products, including ones that may be attractive and readily available to children and adolescents, without careful consideration of their cumulative impact," Taylor said.
Taylor said the FDA has not specifically regulated caffeine use since it first allowed the pick-up to be added to colas in the 1950s.
The rules it has in place, though, "never anticipated the current proliferation of caffeinated products."
In 2010, the FDA moved to block the addition of caffeine in alcoholic beverages, and late last year raised questions about high-caffeine "energy drinks" after several deaths were linked to the consumption of one brand, Monster Energy.
But Taylor said the FDA was especially worried about caffeine added to foods children might easily eat, and was considering whether to place limits on it.
He called on the industry to practice voluntary restraint while the FDA studies the issue.
"We hope this can be a turning point for all to prevent the irresponsible addition of caffeine to food and beverages."
Source: AFP
Russia to Ban Energy Drinks Containing Caffeine, Alcohol
Lawmakers in Russia are introducing a bill that calls for a ban on the production and sale of energy drinks that contain low levels of alcohol and caffeine.
Advertisement
 Study Finds That Caffeine Improves Mental Performance and Affects Liking of FoodNew evidence regarding caffeine's effect on cognitive performance in children and teens was found by a recent study. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Diet & Nutrition News
New study shares scientific rescues from the post-party hangover blues after heavy alcohol consumption.
Study investigated the impact of a saturated fat-rich diet on brain signaling in older mice by studying a microglial function known as synaptic pruning.
Flavored omega-3 fatty acid supplements can conceal its rancidity, lowering its health benefits and obscuring health hazards.
Alkaloid extracted from coffee proves its mettle in enhancing cognitive abilities and counteracting age-related cognitive decline.
Fresh findings bolster the case for utilizing ginger supplements in the management of autoimmune disorders.
