Powdered Caffeine Could Be Deadly, Government Warns

The FDA announced on Tuesday that it has issued warning letters to five companies that distribute pure caffeine powder, sold without regulations as a dietary supplement on many websites.

It’s an incredibly potent drug. Just one teaspoon of caffeine can cause vomiting, anxiety, and heart problems. Last year, in fact, two otherwise healthy young men diedfrom taking powdered caffeine. And many consumers don’t realize how little it takes to fatally overdose: about one tablespoon.“These products are dangerous and present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury to consumers,” the FDA said Tuesday in a statement. “The difference between a safe amount and a toxic dose of caffeine in these pure powdered products is very small.”Read more at...BuzzFeed News, September 2015.