Caffeine in soft drinks
- ANZFA is currently assessing an application (A344), made by a company, to amend the Australian Food Standards Code. The applicant seeks to extend the current permission for caffeine in kola-type drinks (up to 145mg/kg) to other soft drinks.
- ANZFA is obliged to consider such applications for assessment under its Act. In considering this application, ANZFA has undertaken a scientific assessment of the risk associated with caffeine consumption in all age groups to ensure the public health and safety of the community is protected. ANZFA takes a particularly conservative approach to any issue that could impact on the health of children.
- To further address community concerns regarding the effects of caffeine (particularly in relation to behavioural effects in children), ANZFA is presently establishing an Expert Working Party to examine the wider aspects of the safety of caffeine in food.
- ANZFA will then be in a position to make a final recommendation to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Council on application A344, following the deliberations of the Expert Working Party, and other evidence and advice provided by interested groups and individuals.
- There have been two rounds of public comment on this issue, November 1997 and July 1999. We would like to thank everyone who wrote to us about caffeine. Your comments have been taken into account in our assessment of this application.
3 September 1999.