Health: Sen. Casey Calls On FDA To Consider Ban Against Powdered Caffeine
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pennsylvania Senator Robert Casey takes aim at powdered caffeine - a potentially dangerous supplement. He says the FDA should consider banning it. "I believe they need to do more work," Sen. Casey said Monday.
He made the announcement at 30th Street Station, saying he's written a letter to the head of the FDA explaining his concerns about the dangers of caffeine powder. A single teaspoon of the supplement is equal to 25 cups of coffee.
Dr. Robert Glatter and Emergency Dept. physician says, "Teenagers, young adults are getting this powder because they want to lose weight. They also try to use it as a workout supplement. They're trying to study longer hours."
It's easy to buy and has been linked to at least two deaths. The FDA has posed a warning to consumers on its website outlining the dangers of powdered caffeine, and recommending the products be avoided. But Senator Casey says the agency should be more aggressive and even consider banning it. "The FDA is a regulatory agency and sometimes may not have the same sense of urgency that we have or certainly that constituents or taxpayers have," Sen. Casey said.
Dr. Glatter adds, "Everyone should be on the same page about how dangerous this substance is and that it should not be used in any form in any way."
An FDA spokesperson said the agency is considering every legal option, and regulatory action. Consumers are advised to avoid powdered caffeine, especially bulk bags sold on the Internet.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm405787.htm
