FDA seeks science-based approach to caffeine limits
In response to increasing availability of caffeine in food and beverage products, the Food and Drug Administration is launching an inquiry into safe consumption levels. As explained in the FDA's blog, there has been an explosion of non-traditional products containing added caffeine and marketed as energy boosting. These include waffles, syrup, candy and chewing gum. Current caffeine proliferation is likely to increase the average daily intake and raises concerns about its effects on consumers, especially children and adolescents. The FDA recently requested the Institute of Medicine to convene a workshop on the potential hazards of caffeine. The input will help shape further research and a science-based approach to establishing a regulatory framework for the food and beverage industry.