EU declares caffeine ‘harmful to humans if swallowed’: What it means for the brew and other energy drinks | Health News

A recent move the European Union (EU) has raised eyebrows after officials classified caffeine as “harmful to humans if swallowed” under new chemical safety guidelines.The decision, which also includes banning caffeine as a pesticide, was based on scientific assessments highlighting potential risks to the heart, hydration, and nervous system. While the regulation primarily targets its use in agriculture, the ruling has ignited concerns about how future policies might affect everyday caffeine consumption.
In banning its application to agriculture, the European Commission said scientific evidence from the European Food Safety Authority showed “caffeine has adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, hydration and body temperature in adults, as well as on the central nervous system (sleep, anxiety, behavioural changes) in adults and children, and an adverse birth weight-related outcome in pregnant women.”
Story continues below this ad

With coffee deeply embedded in European culture, the ruling has triggered backlash from critics who see it as an unnecessary intervention. 
Some worry this could be a step toward tighter restrictions on caffeine-containing products. But what does this classification truly mean for consumers, and could it signal a shift in how caffeine is regulated moving forward?
Understanding the EU’s classification of caffeine as harmful
Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health special, tells that the recent EU classification of caffeine as harmful stems from a precautionary regulatory approach. He explains, “Concerns have been raised regarding high concentrations of caffeine in certain non-food products, where excessive exposure could potentially lead to adverse cardiovascular and neurological effects, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.”
However, he clarifies that moderate caffeine consumption, as seen in beverages like coffee and tea, is generally safe. “While high-dose exposure is linked to issues like increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep durbances, moderate caffeine intake has been extensively studied and is associated with benefits such as improved alertness and potential protective effects against conditions like Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes,” he says. “The EU’s measures primarily target specific contexts where caffeine levels may be dangerously high rather than its conventional dietary use.”Story continues below this ad
Could this ruling impact coffee or energy drink regulations?
Dr Hiremath notes that the ruling mainly applies to caffeine’s use in non-food applications, such as pesticides and industrial products, and is unlikely to lead to an outright ban on coffee or energy drinks. However, he adds, “It may prompt regulators to revisit labelling and formulation standards across a range of products.”
“For instance, energy drinks — which often contain high concentrations of caffeine and other stimulants — might face stricter advertising rules or clearer warnings regarding safe consumption levels, particularly for younger consumers,” he explains. In contrast, coffee is less likely to face major restrictions due to its long-standing cultural and dietary significance and its well-documented safety when consumed in moderation. 
How do caffeine’s potential health risks compare to other common substances?
Dr Hiremath emphasises that caffeine’s risk profile is relatively modest compared to other widely consumed substances like alcohol and refined sugars. He explains, “While excessive caffeine intake can cause increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia, these effects are dose-dependent and typically occur only with very high consumption.”
“In contrast, substances like alcohol and refined sugars — both of which are largely unregulated — can significantly contribute to long-term health issues such as liver disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome when consumed in excess,” he points out.Story continues below this ad
“For most healthy adults, the benefits of moderate caffeine intake — such as enhanced alertness and certain neuroprotective effects — are well documented,” Dr Hiremath says. However, precaution is warranted for specific groups. “Pregnant women and individuals with certain heart conditions are advised to limit their intake.”
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.