New Caffeine-Containing Supplement Guidelines

Voluntary labeling guidelines for caffeine-containing dietary supplements have been approved by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) board of directors. They took this measure in support of the FDA’s suggestion to food and dietary supplement manufacturers to include more information about caffeine on product labels.

“Over-the-counter medicines containing caffeine disclose its presence on the label with the amount in each dose in addition to including important cautionary statements,” said Barbara A. Kochanowski, PhD, the CHPA’s Vice President of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs. “These new guidelines will ensure equal transparency for our members’ dietary supplements, giving consumers the information they need to safely choose and use a dietary supplement.”

CHPA members who are marketing caffeine-containing dietary supplements agreed to adopt voluntary guidelines that address labeling, packaging, and promotion to ensure safe and responsible use of these products. The guidelines include the following:

• Provide disclosure of total caffeine content (mg/serving).

• Provide information that should be included in labeling for a supplement that contains more than100 mg per serving (ie, not intended for children younger than 18 years or for caffeine-sensitive persons; pregnant or nursing women should talk to a health care professional before use).

• Stipulate that caffeine-containing supplements should not be marketed, advertised, or promoted in combination with alcohol.

A full description of the guidelines may be viewed here.

The CHPA, a 132-year-old trade association, represents U S manufacturers and distributors of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements.