EU Posts Health Warning About Excess Caffeine

28 May 2015 --- Drinking more than five cups of coffee a day may be damaging to health, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In its latest report the group said heart problems, insomnia and panic attacks were all linked to excess caffeine consumption.

It also said many people were consuming more than the safe level of caffeine, and it noted that safe limits for children and pregnant women are much lower.

Safe amounts of caffeine per person per day should be around 400mg, according to EFSA, but many people consume more than this. Its report noted that in Denmark a third of people consume more than this, while this figure is 17% in the Netherlands and 14% in Germany. 

“As reflected in EFSA’s opinion, caffeine intake is clearly an issue in some EU countries, with for instance almost one third of Danish adults consuming more than 400mg of caffeine a day,” said Monique Goyens, the Director General of BEUC. 

“The opinion also shows that 25% of teenage energy drink consumers exceed the 200mg caffeine intake limit within a short period of time. 

“Now we look to the European Commission and Member States to draw the obvious conclusions,” she said. “If we are to ensure Europeans’ caffeine intake stays within safe limits, banning food manufacturer claims on how caffeine increases endurance, alertness or concentration would seem a wise move.” 

A cup of filter coffee has around 90mg, while tea has 50mg and a can of cola 40mg. It also pointed to energy drinks which contain around 80mg of caffeine, and dark chocolate which is usually around 25mg per bar. 

The main health issues the report highlighted were increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, tremors, nervousness, insomnia and panic attacks.