Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act
Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act
Plain Language Summary
# Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act would require clearer labeling of caffeinated products to help consumers make informed choices. For packaged foods, beverages, and supplements containing more than 10 milligrams of caffeine, manufacturers would have to label the total caffeine amount, specify whether the caffeine is naturally occurring or added, and include a warning that the recommended daily limit for healthy adults is 400 milligrams. Large restaurant chains (with 20+ locations) would need to mark menu items containing 150+ milligrams of added caffeine as "high caffeine." **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily impact food and beverage manufacturers, supplement makers, and large restaurant chains, as well as consumers who would benefit from more transparent labeling.
The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress. It was introduced by Representative Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The legislation appears to have been inspired by caffeine-related health concerns, though the specific background is not detailed in the official summary.
CRS Official Summary
Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety ActThis bill establishes labeling and disclosure requirements for caffeinated food, beverages, and supplements.Specifically, the bill requires foods and dietary supplements that contain more than 10 milligrams of caffeine to be labeled with (1) their total caffeine content, (2) a statement of whether the caffeine is naturally occurring or is an additive, and (3) an advisory statement indicating that the recommended daily limit of caffeine for healthy adults is 400 milligrams.Further, in restaurant chains with 20 or more locations, menus must indicate that an item contains high caffeine where the item contains added caffeine and has a total caffeine content of at least 150 milligrams. Restaurants must place the statement “high caffeine” or a similar indication adjacent to the name of a covered item on the menu. This requirement applies to both standard and temporary menu items.For standard menu items, the bill also expands the nutritional information that restaurants must make available to consumers in written form to include the number of milligrams of caffeine in an item.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must review the safety of caffeine and other stimulants in food, beverages, and dietary supplements and determine whether caffeine should be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for healthy adults. (Currently, the FDA considers caffeine as GRAS for cola beverages up to a level of 0.02%.) Finally, the Government Accountability Office must study and report to Congress on the marketing of caffeinated beverages in restaurants, stores, and online.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.