There is no requirement to include labels on food products containing caffeine to protect consumers from its effects. Caffeine may be regarded as a generally safe product by the Food and Drug Administration; however, it is clear that research indicates it can harm people (Markon et al., 2019). The risks of caffeine intoxication are underrated, and only a few products include warnings, which increases the probability of exposing the consumer to unknown effects of the commodity. The high market for caffeine products in the United States indicates that millions of children and adults use such commodities daily (Markon et al., 2019). If there is no labeling or warning, consumers may assume that caffeine does not negatively affect their bodies.
Physical dependence on caffeine should be regarded as a significant issue because it may lead to intoxication. When people experience caffeine intoxication, they may suffer effects such as anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia, and death. Using lax labeling requirements could effectively prevent immediate caffeine-induced harm and protect consumers from caffeine-related side effects (Markon et al., 2019). Additionally, imposing labeling and warning requirements can help improve consumer autonomy and foster effective use of caffeine.
In conclusion, there should be stricter regulation on caffeine as the current policies do not protect the interests of consumers. Millions of individuals consume caffeine, exposing them to its harmful effects of dependence and intoxication. Such limits could include the amounts of caffeine in energy drinks, snack foods, and other products. Establishing a mandatory requirement for caffeine products to display warnings on labels can help promote the safe use of the commodity by ensuring consumers understand what they are using.
Reference
Markon, A. O., Jones, O. E., Punzalan, C. M., Lurie, P., & Wolpert, B. (2019). Caffeinated energy drinks: Adverse event reports to the US Food and Drug Administration and the National Poison Data System, 2008 to 2015. Public Health Nutrition, 22(14), 2531-2542.