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NETHERLANDS - REPORT DENOTES RISK OF HIGH CAFFEINE LEVELS PRESENT IN FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

Netherlands

Aug 01, 2020

A recent assessment requested by the Dutch Ministry for Public Health demonstrates the intake of caffein through food supplements is likely to result in intakes exceeding normal consumption levels. It concludes that caffeine intake from supplements is likely to exceed the reference intakes established by EFSA (for adults: 200 mg per single dose and 400 mg per day) and therefore probable to induce a health risk. Adverse health risk linked to high caffeine intakes include adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, body temperature, hydration and central nervous system.

At present, the maximum amount of caffeine in food supplements is not set by EU law. Some Member States however have set local limits however which may need to be observed for the marketing of food supplements in the given country. The Dutch report aims to quantify the risk of caffeine levels that are currently found in food supplements, taking into account the consumption of other caffeine-containing foods such as coffee, tea and chocolate. On the basis of the outcome the Dutch Ministry for Public Health could request for a European maximum limit of caffeine in food supplements.

National Institute for Public Health and the Environment - Risk assessment of caffeine in food supplements - link

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