N.Y. Lawmaker Takes Aim at Caffeinated Food Products

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is urging the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to investigate the increased availability of caffeinated
foods in light of a new peanut butter product containing 150 mg of
caffeine per 2-tablespoon serving.

“The FDA should take immediate action and investigate whether this
caffeine product should be pulled from shelves,” Schumer said. “To think
that peanut butter, one of the snacks most closely associated with children,
might have to be stored in the medicine cabinet as opposed to the
kitchen cabinet should serve as a jolt to the FDA.” See Press Release of
Sen. Chuck Schumer, November 8, 2015.

According to the manufacturer’s website, STEEM Caffeinated Peanut
Butter contains no artificial sweeteners and “as much caffeine as two
cups of coffee, so stick with the normal serving suggestions for the best
effect.” The site cautions that feeding the  product to domestic animals
could “lead to SERIOUS health issues.”

Issue 584