The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is launching an investigation into foods that boast “added caffeine for an energy boost,” to determine the potential health risks for children and young adults.
The FDA’s probe into caffeine products is a response to a new product released by Wrigley this week called “Alert Energy Gum,” that promises “The right energy, right now.” Popular energy drinks and shots such as Monsters and RedBull’s are already on the agency’s radar following an array of serious events — including heart palpitations, high blood pressure and even cardiac arrest and death.
Michael Taylor, FDA's deputy commissioner of foods, said in a statement Monday that the proliferation of caffeine added to foods is "beyond anything FDA envisioned." The agency intends to investigate the potential impact these new sources of caffeine will have on children’s health. And will be prepared to take action if deemed necessary.
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One Comment
maureen_aba
Caffeine is an ingredient found in a number of foods and beverages, and has been safely consumed by billions of people around the world. Also, a report on caffeine consumption among the U.S. population commissioned by FDA in 2009 (and then updated in 2010) indicated that teens and young adults ages 14 to 21 years consume, on average, approximately one-third the amount of caffeine as people over 21 – about 100 milligrams per day.
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