On April 30, FDA announced via Michael Taylor, Deputy Commissioner of Foods, that the agency was starting a new review of caffeine in conventional foods. This was ostensibly triggered by the recent launch of Alert Energy gum by Wrigley. Caffeine in gum in my opinion can no longer be classified as a dietary supplement or a food. This focus appears to be on caffeine in foods and drinks targeted toward kids and young adults. Young adults are the highest consumers of these energy drinks (I am not bashing or targeting any particular brand but the first ones which come to my mind are Red Bull and Monster) Now FDA is looking foods such as candy, nuts, snack foods, trail mix, chips, gum and sweet beverages where caffeine is being added. This is a new twist on FDA’s ongoing views about caffeine. Not too long ago, FDA responded to Senators Durbin and Blumenthal that after a careful review of the scientific literature and adverse event reports, FDA did not see any alarming trends with respect to the rise and use of caffeinated beverages in the U.S.

Clearly, things have changed. As we understand the intended scope of this new review, I will keep you posted, but the heads up is caffeine in foods and beverages that appear to be packaged or marketed to children and very young adults will be under new review.