CHICAGO – Wrigley announced earlier this week that it is
pulling its caffeinated chewing come from store shelves — at least for now —
the New York Daily News reports.
The company said it has “paused” sales of its Alert Energy
gum, which includes 40 mg of caffeine per piece.
It made the decision following last week’s announcement by
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it is taking a “fresh look” at the
effects of foods with added caffeine.
"After discussions with the FDA, we have a greater
appreciation for its concern about the proliferation of caffeine in the
nation's food supply," said Casey Keller, Wrigley's president for North
America, adding that the company had marketed Alert Energy "in a safe and
responsible manner to consumers 25 years and older."
The trend in caffeinated food products is
"disturbing" and "beyond anything FDA envisioned," said
Michael Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner of foods.
Taylor praised Wrigley’s decision to pull the gum, saying it
"demonstrates real leadership and commitment to the public health."