Wrigley Suspends Sales of New Caffeinated Gum After FDA Threatens To Ban Caffeine

Wrigley has temporarily suspended the sale of its newly launched caffeinated gum after FDA issued a statement threatening to ban the use of caffeine in food items in the US.

Caffeinated products are consumed extensively in the U.S. and the Food and Drugs Administration is worried that this "love affair" between caffeine and Americans is posing a huge threat to Americans. The department has issued a statement that threatens to ban the use of caffeine in food items in U.S.

Their first target is Wrigley's new Alert Energy Gum, which contains caffeine and claims to be a wakeup call for people in the mornings. Though the gum has a very small quantity of caffeine in it, Wrigley has nevertheless temporarily suspended the sale of the gum until they have a discussion with the FDA.

President Casey Keller said the decision of temporary suspension was taken because the company respects 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," Keller said in a statement 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."

The company officials stated that the suspension hopes to give the agency enough time to regulate caffeine food items.

Michael Taylor, the FDA's deputy commissioner of foods said that Wrigley's move is commendable and shows "real leadership and commitment to the public health." He hopes that other companies in the food industry will take similar actions in the interest of public health.