Changes to the regulation of the import and sale of high caffeine foods and medicines in Australia

The death of a young man who consumed a teaspoon of caffeine powder (equivalent to about 30 cups of coffee) in his protein shake in July 2019 has triggered a series of Australian regulatory changes to high caffeine foods and medicines. During September 2019, Food Standards Australia New Zealand together with the Federal Department of Agriculture, the Federal Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration initiated several changes to the regulation of the import and sale of high caffeine food and medicine in Australia. This article explores the extent of the regulatory actions being taken by these government bodies and whether they adequately address the issues around consumer’s accessing high caffeine products.