FDA Calls Out Distributors for Powdered Caffeine
The FDA is now taking action by issuing warnings to 5 distributors of pure powdered caffeine which is a potentially dangerous product, that's been tied to the deaths of two men. This action was followed up by an FDA alert in 2014 as a warning to all consumers regarding these products. It is nearly impossible to accurately measure pure powdered caffeine, according to the FDA. Consumers can mistakenly and easily consume a lethal amount of the powder. The amount is so small but even common kitchen serving utensils aren't accurate enough to measure the amount that should be in a single serving size.
Bridge City, Kreativ health, Hard Eight Nutrition, Purebulk and Smartpowders were the five distributors warned by the FDA. They collectively are marketing their pure powdered caffeine as a dietary supplement. Believe it or not, one teaspoon of pure powdered caffeine is equal to the amount of caffeine in about 28 cups of coffee.
Powdered caffeine is currently unregulated by the FDA but the organization has warned consumers to be aware that pure caffeine is a powerful stimulant and cannot be compared to drinking 4 or 5 cups of coffee throughout the day.
Is a caffeine overdose possible? Of course. Symptoms include rapid or erratic heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, seizures and even death. They're likely to be much more severe than symptoms from caffeine-related products such as tea or energy drinks and of course coffee.