File #: Res 0715-2007    Version: * Name: US Food and Drug Administration to require that caffeine content be included on nutrition labeling panels.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Health
On agenda: 2/28/2007
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the United States Food and Drug Administration to require that caffeine content be included on nutrition labeling panels.
Sponsors: Simcha Felder, Lewis A. Fidler, James F. Gennaro, Alan J. Gerson, Sara M. Gonzalez, Letitia James, Michael C. Nelson, Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., James Sanders, Jr., Helen Sears, Kendall Stewart, Peter F. Vallone, Jr., David I. Weprin
Council Member Sponsors: 13

Res. No. 715

 

Resolution calling upon the United States Food and Drug Administration to require that caffeine content be included on nutrition labeling panels.

 

By Council Members Felder, Fidler, Gennaro, Gerson, Gonzalez, James, Nelson, Recchia Jr., Sanders Jr., Sears, Stewart, Vallone Jr. and Weprin

 

Whereas, Caffeine belongs to a group of drugs called central nervous system stimulants (CNS); and

Whereas, According to a report by the University of Kansas on caffeine, caffeine narrows blood vessels in the brain and stimulates the cerebral cortex, which can help a person think more rapidly and clearly, and expands blood vessels in other places in the body, which can help to improve coordination; and 

Whereas, Caffeine is used medically as a mild stimulant, and, combined with certain analgesics, as a headache eradicator; and

Whereas, According to the Center for Science in Public Interest, (CPSI), in healthy people, moderate amounts of caffeine have little effect on blood pressure or heart rate, but in certain individuals, larger does can cause irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, agitation or ringing in the ears, and may also cause miscarriages, insomnia and anxiety; and

Whereas, The CPSI also points out that caffeine is the only drug that is widely added to the food supply; and 

Whereas, Caffeine is found in many products that are consumed by children as well as adults, and many people are unaware of the amounts or caffeine contained in various products; and

 

Whereas, Nutritional labeling, regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration, is intended to aid consumers in making informative choices about what they eat and drink; and

Whereas, By indicating on such labeling the amount of caffeine in food products, consumers would be able to make informed choices for themselves and their families regarding the amount of caffeine they ingest; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Food and Drug Administration to require that caffeine be included on nutrition labeling panels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LS # 533

JP 3/16/06