Growing concerns about the use of so-called “energy gum” have prompted warnings in Gedling borough about excessive caffeine use.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team is urging parents and carers to talk to their children about the potential dangers of consuming caffeinated chewing gum.
The team have received reports of several youngsters reportedly becoming unwell after consuming too much caffeine by eating caffeinated gum, which is relatively cheap and widely available.
Although there is not currently any legal age restriction on buying caffeinated gum, a single piece can contain between 40-100mg of caffeine, depending on the brand, which could be the equivalent to drinking a regular cup of coffee!
According to the European Food Safety Authority it is considered safe for healthy adults to consume single doses of caffeine up to 200mg, with a total daily caffeine limit of 400mg. However, children can be much more sensitive to caffeine and consuming excessive caffeine can, in some cases result in a child becoming extremely unwell. Some of the more serious adverse effects of consuming too much caffeine include a rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and even seizures.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standard team said: “Please share this information with friends and family who might not be aware of the health risks associated with children eating caffeinated chewing gum.”
