FDA will investigate added caffeine in foods
Source: AP-Excite
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
WASHINGTON (AP) - Trail mix. Potato chips. And now gum.
With a growing number of foods boasting added caffeine for an energy boost, the Food and Drug Administration says it's time to investigate their safety.
The FDA's new look at added caffeine and its effects on children and adolescents is in response to a caffeinated gum introduced this week by Wrigley. Called Alert Energy Gum, it 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.
Michael Taylor, FDA's deputy commissioner of foods, said Monday that the only time FDA explicitly approved the added use of caffeine in a food or drink was in the 1950's for colas. The current proliferation of caffeine added to foods is "beyond anything FDA envisioned," Taylor said.
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Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130429/DA5VGA0G0.html
This product image provided by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company shows packaging for Alert Energy Caffeine Gum. (AP Photo/Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company)
onehandle
(51,122 posts)drm604
(16,230 posts)All of these companies pushing "energy" drinks and foods may be guilty of false advertising.
RC
(25,592 posts)It also increases bloodflow... which is where some of the increased energy comes from. Its can also helps curb the symptoms of asthma when an inhaler isn't available.
onehandle
(51,122 posts)Kali
(54,990 posts)David__77
(23,212 posts)One month ago. I realized I was on a terrible cycle of caffeine and sleep aids. Thankfully I put a total stop to it.
What worries me is that it is not always disclosed when added. It should be labeled - how many mgs are in each serving.
OnyxCollie
(9,958 posts)truthisfreedom
(23,113 posts)G_j
(40,366 posts)"Food manufacturers have added caffeine to candy, nuts and other snack foods in recent years. Jelly Belly "Sport Beans," for example, have 50 mg of caffeine in each 100-calorie pack, while Arma Energy Snx markets trail mix, chips and other products."