Following a report into the safety of caffeine powders and highly concentrated caffeine products, the Morrison government has announced a ban on the sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products for personal consumption.
Caffeine-related death
The ban comes as a result of a report that was commissioned by Minister Colbeck and Minister Hunt, following the tragic death of 21-year-old, Lachlan Foote, reportedly from acute caffeine toxicity.
“Lachlan Foote’s death was an absolute tragedy and our Government is determined to prevent something like this occurring again.
“The dangers of pure caffeine powder cannot be underestimated.
“Pure caffeine products can contain the maximum recommended daily dose of caffeine in 1/16th of a teaspoon, with a potentially fatal dose – the equivalent of between 25 to 50 cups of coffee – in a single teaspoon,” said Minister Colbeck, who has a portfolio responsibility for Food Regulation.
According the Minister Colbeck, the issue with pure caffeine products is that the average “safe” quantity often can’t be measured accurately on standard kitchen scales.
Governing bodies
In July, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted a review into the safety of caffeine powers and high caffeine content food products.
It’s said FSANZ will now work closely with appropriate agencies to implement the recommendations.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has also taken steps to limit the risk of accidental overdose, including new restrictions on the level of pure caffeine allowed in medication.
Not included in the ban
Caffeinated products, including coffee, energy drinks, cola drinks and sport foods, which reportedly have a much lower concentration of caffeine will not be affected by the ban.
To read the review, visit www.foodstandards.gov.au/Documents/CaffeineReport2019.pdf.