Warning and instructions for use in labelling of foods containing caffeine

Caffeine used as a flavouring in food must be indicated in the list of ingredients by its specific name immediately after the word “flavouring(s)”, for example, flavouring (caffeine).

According to Annex III of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council, beverages that, as consumed, contain more than 150 mg/l of caffeine from any source must bear the statement “High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women” in the same field of vision as the name of the beverage on the packaging. This statement must be followed by the caffeine content of the drink in brackets (… mg/100 ml). This requirement does not apply to coffee- or tea-based beverages or to drinks made from coffee or tea extracts whose name includes the word “coffee” or “tea.”

The Finnish Food Authority’s view is that the amount of caffeine in fortified foods containing caffeine should be safe within a typical serving. A typical serving is one that can be expected to be consumed at one time or within a short period, for example, in the case of energy drinks or other caffeinated soft drinks, a bottle (500 ml or 330 ml) or a can (330 ml or 250 ml). The safe limit for a single dose of caffeine for healthy adults, as defined by EFSA, is 200 mg.