FDA probe into safety of added caffeine in foods
The Food and Drug Administration announced plans to take a closer look at foods containing added caffeine. This comes as manufacturers of several product categories with a potential appeal to children, including potato chips, nuts and chewing gum, began using caffeine as an additive to boost energy levels. According to the FDA, the agency explicitly approved the added use of caffeine for colas back in 1950s, but recent proliferation of new and easy sources of caffeine is raising concerns about its impact on children's health. Medical experts warn that too much caffeine can be dangerous for children, who have less ability to process the stimulant than adults. Caffeine has also been linked to neurologic and cardiovascular disorders among young people.