Label caffeine content, groups demand

A consumer advocacy group wants caffeine content to be listed on food labels. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), based in Washington, D.C., petitioned FDA to require such labeling.

Health groups and 34 scientists joined CSPI in supporting the petition; the American Medical Assn. also has called for caffeine-content labeling. Under present regulations, when caffeine is added to a food product it must be included in the ingredient list, but the content need not be disclosed. When caffeine occurs naturally, as in coffee and tea, neither the presence nor the amount need be listed. Both the National Food Processors Assn. and the Grocery Manufacturers of America rejected the idea of caffeine-content labeling on the grounds that caffeine has been carefully reviewed and found not be a public health risk with moderate consumption. FDA officials said they will consider CSPI's petition.

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