Wrigley has announced they will be pulling their Alert gum off the shelves pending an investigation by the FDA on what the effects of caffeine are on children.
“After discussions with the FDA, we have a greater appreciation for its concern about the proliferation of caffeine in the nation’s food supply,” Wrigley President Casey Keller said. “There is a need for changes in the regulatory framework to better guide the consumers and the industry about the appropriate level and use of caffeinated products.”
In a world where everyone is constantly moving, food and beverage companies have hit it big with products featuring extra caffeine. Many soda makers have introduced “energy” drinks, and super-caffeinated shots like 5 Hour Energy claim to give the consumer a boost when they’ve hit the 3:00 slump. But it’s also a time when parents are concerned about the effects of extra caffeine and sugar on their children, and the Food and Drug Administration says they want to look further into it before they can give their stamp of approval.
Though the gum has always been marketed with similar energy products rather than with candy, the company says they will comply with any regulations set forth. Each stick of gum contains around 40 milligrams of caffeine, which is the equivalent of half a cup of coffee.