The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its final caffeine risk assessment, concluding that “single doses of caffeine up to 200 mg” and “habitual caffeine consumption up to 400 mg per day does not give rise to safety concerns for non-pregnant adults.” Following a two-month consultation, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA Panel) issued a scientific opinion considering “possible interactions” between caffeine and energy drink constituents, alcohol, p-synephrine, and physical exercise. The data evidently indicated no safety concerns when non-pregnant adults consume up to 200 mg of caffeine (i) less than 2 hours before intense physical exercise, (ii) in combination with energy drink ingredients such as taurine or d-glucurono-γ-lactone at typical concentrations, or (iii) in combination with alcohol at doses up to 0.65 g/kg body weight (bw). “The single doses of caffeine considered to be of no concern for adults (3mg/kg bw per day) may…
Category Archives Issue 566
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a guidance note for industry discussing general legal requirements for use of the descriptors “artisan/artisanal,” “farmhouse,” “traditional” and “natural.” “Marketing terms are designed to resonate with consumers and are an essential part of business development in the food industry,” said Wayne Anderson, FSAI Director of Food Science and Standards. “Consumers need to be confident that the foods they purchase and consume are accurately and truthfully described on the label. Food businesses should also be confident that genuine descriptions of their food are not diluted in the marketplace by undefined marketing terms.” The labeling guidelines apply to products placed on the market after December 2016. See FSAI News Release, May 14, 2015. Issue 566
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) is soliciting nominations for individuals to fill five pending vacancies on the USDA Grain Inspection Committee. The 15-member group representing grain producers, processors and exporters, among other stakeholders, meets twice a year to guide GIPSA in delivering its mandates under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. See Federal Register, May 26, 2015. Issue 566
Citing the need to protect the long-term health of children, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Ct.) has introduced legislation (H.R. 2529) that would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to set a maximum permissible level for inorganic arsenic in rice and rice products within two years. “High levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, can be found in rice, cereal and other common, everyday foods,” DeLauro said. “The federal government needs to step in to make sure that American families are consuming food that is safe.” The proposal has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Committee on Agriculture. See Press Release of U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, May 21, 2015. Issue 566
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