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Omaha Steve

(99,054 posts)
Mon Apr 29, 2013, 08:25 PM Apr 2013

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.

FULL story at link.



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)

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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FDA will investigate added caffeine in foods (Original Post) Omaha Steve Apr 2013 OP
Caffeine does not supply energy. nt onehandle Apr 2013 #1
That's a good point. drm604 Apr 2013 #2
Correct. Caffeine is an additive drug, a stimulant. RC Apr 2013 #4
Indeed... Veilex Apr 2013 #5
I c-c-c-can s-s-s-stop anytim-m-m-e I-I-I w-w-w-want. nt onehandle Apr 2013 #6
potato chips? Kali Apr 2013 #3
I just kicked the caffeine habit. David__77 Apr 2013 #7
Black Black caffeinated gum has been around for years in Japan. OnyxCollie Apr 2013 #8
meh. truthisfreedom Apr 2013 #9
chips? G_j Apr 2013 #10

drm604

(16,230 posts)
2. That's a good point.
Mon Apr 29, 2013, 09:00 PM
Apr 2013

All of these companies pushing "energy" drinks and foods may be guilty of false advertising.

 

Veilex

(1,555 posts)
5. Indeed...
Reply to RC (Reply #4)
Mon Apr 29, 2013, 10:02 PM
Apr 2013

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.

David__77

(23,212 posts)
7. I just kicked the caffeine habit.
Mon Apr 29, 2013, 11:08 PM
Apr 2013

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.

G_j

(40,366 posts)
10. chips?
Tue Apr 30, 2013, 09:21 AM
Apr 2013


"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."
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