Wrigley Pulls Gum; Alert Caffeinated Gum Under FDA Investigation

The FDA is investigating the health effects of the Wrigley gum "Alert," a caffeinated chewing gum. The FDA wants to investigate the effects the gum will have on children and adolescents. The Wrigley gum, Alert was released last month and will be pulled from stores pending the FDA's results.

The President of Wrigley North America, Casey Keller told the Associated Press "After a discussion with the FDA, we have a greater appreciation for its concern about the proliferation of Caffeine in the nation's food supply."

"There is a need for change," Kelly added. "In the regulatory framework to better guide the consumers and the industry about the appropriate level and use of caffeinated products."

Wrigley pulled the gum on a temporary basis until the FDA has completed its investigation. The deputy commissioner of food for the FDA Michael Taylor told the AP that Wrigley's decision to pull the gum "demonstrates real leadership and commitment to the public health."

"We hope others in the food industry will exercise similar restraint," Taylor added.

The FDA is not only investigating Alert gum but other companies that have been increasingly adding caffeine to their products for a burst of energy. CBS says that caffeine is "generally recognized as safe which means manufacturers can add it to products and then determine on their on whether the product is safe."

Taylor says that caffeine is not a new ingredient and that it has been around and added to different products for years. The FDA is worried about the frequency and "new ways" caffeine is being distributed to the public.

CBS also reports the FDA Is looking into how safe energy drinks and energy shots are after reports about consumer death have been linked to the products.

The Wrigley Company is best known for selling popular products like Juicy Fruit, Double Mint Gum, Skittles, Starburst and Orbit gum.