File #: Res 0412-2010    Version: * Name: Require that caffeine content be included on nutrition labeling panels.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Health
On agenda: 8/25/2010
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: Lewis A. Fidler, Charles Barron, Gale A. Brewer, Margaret S. Chin, Sara M. Gonzalez, Letitia James, Brad S. Lander, Michael C. Nelson, Annabel Palma, Jumaane D. Williams, Fernando Cabrera , Rosie Mendez, Peter A. Koo
Council Member Sponsors: 13
Res. No. 412
 
Resolution calling upon the United States Food and Drug Administration to require that caffeine content be included on nutrition labeling panels.
 
 
By Council Members Fidler, Barron, Brewer, Chin, Gonzalez, James, Lander, Nelson, Palma, Williams, Cabrera, Mendez and Koo
 
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 the 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 of 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.
 
Res. No. 715/2007
JM
LS # 789