H.R.2511 - Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2511, the Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act, aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish specific labeling requirements for caffeine in food and beverages. The bill mandates that restaurants and retail food establishments disclose caffeine content for standard and temporary menu items, particularly those with high caffeine levels. It also requires labeling for food and dietary supplements containing more than 10 milligrams of caffeine, including information on caffeine source and daily recommended limits.
Expected Effects
The bill would increase transparency regarding caffeine content in food and beverages, enabling consumers to make more informed choices. It also directs the FDA and NIH to conduct reviews on the safety of caffeine consumption, especially among vulnerable populations. Finally, it mandates a public education campaign on caffeine safety and a GAO study on the marketing of caffeinated beverages.
Potential Benefits
- Increased consumer awareness of caffeine content in food and beverages.
- Improved public health through better-informed dietary choices.
- Enhanced safety for vulnerable populations (children, pregnant women, etc.) due to increased awareness and potential regulation.
- Promotion of responsible marketing practices by food and beverage companies.
- Allocation of resources for research and public education on caffeine safety.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance costs for restaurants and food manufacturers due to new labeling requirements.
- Potential for consumer confusion due to additional labeling information.
- Possible limitations on consumer choice if regulations become overly restrictive.
- Risk of unintended consequences from public education campaigns (e.g., overreaction to caffeine consumption).
- Potential for delays or inefficiencies in FDA and NIH reviews.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating food and beverage labeling, which falls under interstate commerce. The bill also promotes the general welfare (Preamble) by aiming to protect public health through increased transparency and education regarding caffeine consumption. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).