Wrigley, a US-based chewing gum manufacturer, has announced that it has temporarily supended the production, sales, and marketing of Alert Energy caffeine gum over safety concerns.
The company's decision comes after a series of discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in which the agency expressed concerns over the safety of caffeine-added foods.
In April, FDA said that it would study the health effects of added caffeine on children and adults.
An individual piece of Wrigley's Alert Energy gum contains approximately 40mg of caffeine which is equivalent to half a cup of coffee.
Wrigley North America president Casey Keller was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that after discussions with the FDA, the company appreciates agency's concern about the rapid increase of caffeine in foods in the country.
There is a necessitate for changes in the regulatory framework in order to better address the consumers and the industry over the appropriate level and use of caffeinated products in foods.
FDA stated that it plans to work with industry, the scientific and medical community, and other interested parties to address the issues posed by added caffeine in foods and beverages.
