Caffeine is consumed orally in drinks such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, in some over the counter medicines and as a food in chocolate bars. Caffeine also comes in tablet form e.g. NoDoz® tablets, which are used to increase alertness.
Under the Australian Food Standards’ Code, the following regulations apply to caffeine and energy drinks in Australia:
- The caffeine content of cola drinks, flavoured cordials and flavoured syrups must not exceed 14.4mg/100ml serve and energy drinks must not contain more than 32mg/100ml serve.
- Energy drinks and caffeinated beverages must carry clear warnings on the label stating that the product:
- contains caffeine;
- is not recommended for children, pregnant women or breastfeeding women; and
- is not recommended for caffeine sensitive individuals.
- This regulation does not apply to foods containing caffeine.
- Prior to 1998, the sale of energy drinks in Australia was prohibited.