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FDA warning about powdered pure caffeine
2014-10-02The FDA is warning about powdered pure caffeine being marketed directly to consumers, and recommends avoiding these products. In particular, FDA is concerned about powdered pure caffeine sold in bulk bags over the internet.
FDA Consumer Advice on Powdered Pure Caffeine
Key Message
The FDA is warning about powdered pure caffeine being marketed directly to
consumers, and recommends avoiding these products. In particular, FDA is
concerned about powdered pure caffeine sold in bulk bags over the internet.
The FDA is aware of at least one death of a teenager who used these products.
These products are essentially 100 percent caffeine. A single teaspoon of pure
caffeine is roughly equivalent to the amount in 25 cups of coffee.
Pure caffeine is a powerful stimulant and very small amounts may cause accidental
overdose. Parents should be aware that these products may be attractive to young
people.
Symptoms of caffeine overdose can include rapid or dangerously erratic heartbeat,
seizures and death. Vomiting, diarrhea, stupor and disorientation are also symptoms
of caffeine toxicity. These symptoms are likely to be much more severe than those
resulting from drinking too much coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages.
Who should know
All consumers seeking caffeinated products should be aware of the potentially high
potency of these powdered pure caffeine products. Parents should recognize that
teenagers and young adults may be drawn to these products for their perceived
benefits.
What to do
The FDA advises consumers to avoid powdered pure caffeine.
It is nearly impossible to accurately measure powdered pure caffeine with common
kitchen measuring tools and you can easily consume a lethal amount.
If you believe that you are having an adverse event related to caffeine, stop using it
and seek immediate medical care or advice.
Safety Alerts & Advisories > FDA Consumer Advice on Powdered Pure... http://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/safetyalertsadvisor...
1 of 2 9/26/2014 5:21 PM
The FDA wants to know about adverse events associated with powdered pure
caffeine and other highly caffeinated products. You or your health care provider
can help by reporting these adverse events to FDA in the following ways:
By phone at 240-402-2405
By email at CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov (mailto:CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov)
Why this advice is important
Pure caffeine products are potentially dangerous, and serious adverse events can
result, including death. People with pre-existing heart conditions should not use them.
Safety Alerts & Advisories > FDA Consumer Advice on Powdered Pure... http://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/safetyalertsadvisor...
2
Key Message
The FDA is warning about powdered pure caffeine being marketed directly to
consumers, and recommends avoiding these products. In particular, FDA is
concerned about powdered pure caffeine sold in bulk bags over the internet.
The FDA is aware of at least one death of a teenager who used these products.
These products are essentially 100 percent caffeine. A single teaspoon of pure
caffeine is roughly equivalent to the amount in 25 cups of coffee.
Pure caffeine is a powerful stimulant and very small amounts may cause accidental
overdose. Parents should be aware that these products may be attractive to young
people.
Symptoms of caffeine overdose can include rapid or dangerously erratic heartbeat,
seizures and death. Vomiting, diarrhea, stupor and disorientation are also symptoms
of caffeine toxicity. These symptoms are likely to be much more severe than those
resulting from drinking too much coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages.
Who should know
All consumers seeking caffeinated products should be aware of the potentially high
potency of these powdered pure caffeine products. Parents should recognize that
teenagers and young adults may be drawn to these products for their perceived
benefits.
What to do
The FDA advises consumers to avoid powdered pure caffeine.
It is nearly impossible to accurately measure powdered pure caffeine with common
kitchen measuring tools and you can easily consume a lethal amount.
If you believe that you are having an adverse event related to caffeine, stop using it
and seek immediate medical care or advice.
Safety Alerts & Advisories > FDA Consumer Advice on Powdered Pure... http://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/safetyalertsadvisor...
1 of 2 9/26/2014 5:21 PM
The FDA wants to know about adverse events associated with powdered pure
caffeine and other highly caffeinated products. You or your health care provider
can help by reporting these adverse events to FDA in the following ways:
By phone at 240-402-2405
By email at CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov (mailto:CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov)
Why this advice is important
Pure caffeine products are potentially dangerous, and serious adverse events can
result, including death. People with pre-existing heart conditions should not use them.
Safety Alerts & Advisories > FDA Consumer Advice on Powdered Pure... http://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/safetyalertsadvisor...
2