The FSANZ Board has approved Proposal P1056 – Caffeine Review, introducing clearer rules for caffeine and guarana extract in foods.
The amendments to the Food Standards Code respond to concerns about excessive caffeine intake and are intended to limit the growth of highly caffeinated products in the general food supply.
Key changes include prohibiting the retail sale of caffeine as a food, restricting when caffeine can be added to foods and limiting high-concentration guarana extract. New labelling will apply to packaged coffee beverages with high caffeine levels, including caffeine content per serve and advisory statements. Caffeine will be permitted in formulated supplementary sports foods within defined limits.
Existing permissions for caffeine in energy drinks and cola drinks remain unchanged, as does the use of ingredients that naturally contain caffeine, such as coffee or tea, unless the ingredient is considered an unapproved novel food.
The changes provide clearer rules, support informed consumer choice and maintain space for innovation within defined safety boundaries.
Food ministers now have 60 days to consider the decision. If no review is requested, the changes will be gazetted and food businesses will have 2 years to comply.
Read more on our P1056 - Caffeine Review page