At first it was just coffee and soda however now there are a growing number of foods possessing caffeine for energy boosts. With the new increase the Food and Drug Administration decided it was time to investigate the safety of the products for children.

According to the Associated Press, the FDA's new interest in added caffeine and its effects on children and adolescents stems from the introduction of Wrigley's new gum. The product is called Alert Energy Gum. It promises, "The right energy, right now."

On Monday, Michael Taylor, the FDA's deputy commissioner of foods, said that the only time the FDA has directly approved the added use of caffeine in a food or drink was in the 1950's for colas. The current development of caffeine added to foods is "beyond anything FDA envisioned," Taylor said.

According to Bloomberg News, this new gum by Wrigley contains 40 milligrams of caffeine in each piece, which is equivalent to half a cup of coffee.

Taylor told the Associated Press that the FDA will look at the potential impact these "new and easy sources" of caffeine will have on children's health and will take action if necessary.

He said that he and other FDA officials have held meetings with some of the large food companies that are producing caffeinated products, including Mars Co., which owns Wrigley.

Wrigley and other companies that have added caffeine to their products have labeled them as for adult use only. However, these companies also market caffeinated candy and chips which are desirable to children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics said caffeine has been linked to harmful effects on young people's developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems.

Taylor said the agency would look at the added caffeine in its totality, considering that while one product might not cause adverse effects, the increasing number of caffeinated products on the market, including drinks, could mean more detrimental health effects for children.