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Wrigley’s Voluntarily Takes Caffeine Gum Off the Market

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: May 09, 2013 09:34 AM EDT

For consumers that have already become addicted to Wrigley's caffeine gum, they might have to revert to the other common sources of caffeine, such as coffee and energy drinks. Wrigley's has announced that it will take its latest product off the market after discussing about the possible dangers of caffeine for children with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA had announced early last week that it plans on studying the effects of the caffeine gum on children and Wrigley's has agreed to work with the agency.

"After discussions with the FDA, we have a greater appreciation for its concern about the proliferation of caffeine in the nation's food supply," Wrigley's President, Casey Keller said to the Associated Press. "There is a need for changes in the regulatory framework to better guide the consumers and the industry about the appropriate level and use of caffeinated products."

Keller added that the company's decision to temporarily stop the sales of the gum was "out of respect" for the agency. Although the gum was marketed to the age group of 25 to 49, children could have easily gotten the product. Each piece of gum contains 40 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent of nearly half a cup of coffee.

The FDA has also expressed their satisfaction with how willing and fast Wrigley's complied with the agency's needs.  

"[Wrigley's] demonstrates real leadership and commitment to the public health," the FDA's deputy commissioner of foods, Michael Taylor said. "We hope others in the food industry will exercise similar restraint."

Several health experts and medical associations have discussed the possible dangers of too much caffeine for the youth. There are several caffeinated products on the market, such as energy drinks and modified candy like the "Extreme Sport Beans," which children could easily get their hands on. Due to the abundance of caffeine, the FDA wants to ensure that these products, not limited to the caffeinated gum, are safe for children. 

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