US agency examines caffeinated snacks
It is already investigating the safety of energy drinks and energy shots, prompted by consumer reports of illness and death.
The US Food and Drug Administration is closely watching the marketing of snack foods such as potato chips, jelly beans and chewing gum that have a caffeinated kick and wants to know more about their safety.
It is particularly interested in the effects on children and announced its intention as Wrigley earlier this month launched Alert Energy caffeine gum that promises “the right energy, right now”.
The agency is already investigating the safety of energy drinks and energy shots, prompted by consumer reports of illness and death.
Its deputy commissioner of foods, Michael Taylor, says the only time it has explicitly approved the added use of caffeine in a food or drink was in the 1950s for colas. The proliferation of caffeine added to foods is “beyond anything FDA envisioned”.
“It is disturbing. We’re concerned about whether they have been adequately evaluated.”
The agency will look at the potential impact these “new and easy sources” of caffeine will have on children’s health and will take action if necessary.
He and other FDA officials have held meetings with some of the large food companies that have ventured into caffeinated products, including Mars, of which Wrigley is a subsidiary.
Wrigley and other companies adding caffeine to their products have labelled them as for adult use only.
Wrigley spokeswoman Denise Young says the gum is for “adults who are looking for foods with caffeine for energy” and each piece contains about 40 milligrams, or the equivalent amount found in half a cup of coffee.
She says the company will work with the agency. “Millions of Americans consume caffeine responsibly and in moderation as part of their daily routines.”
Food manufacturers have added caffeine to sweets, nuts and other snack foods in recent years.
Jelly Belly “Extreme Sport Beans,” for example, have 50mg of caffeine in each 100-calorie pack, while Arma Energy Snx markets trail mix, chips and other products that have caffeine.
NBR Staff
Thu, 16 May 2013
Thu, 16 May 2013
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US agency examines caffeinated snacks
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