‘MAHA’?: New Jersey Democrat Introduces ‘Caffeine Safety’ Labeling Bill

Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. introduced the Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act at a press conference Monday, a bill that would require labels showing caffeine levels on beverages.

Joined by the parents of children who have died from cardiac episodes after consuming highly caffeinated drinks, Menendez, D-N.J., said his bill fits with the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda of President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The legislation would require that companies “show the amount of caffeine in certain supplements that are in each beverage,” the second-term lawmaker told The Daily Signal. Additionally, the bill would require chain restaurants to indicate how much caffeine is in the beverages they serve. 

It also would include an awareness campaign on caffeine health risks and mandate studies on the marketing of highly caffeinated drinks to youth.

The act is named for Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a pre-existing heart condition who died from cardiac arrest hours after drinking a “charged lemonade” from the Panera fast-casual restaurant chain. 

A 30-ounce charged lemonade, which has since been discontinued, contains 390 milligrams of caffeine, while physicians usually recommend 400 milligrams as a daily limit—the equivalent of about four to five cups of coffee.

Katz’s parents, and other parents who likewise lost children, spoke at the press conference, where they delivered a plea for Congress to require labeling on caffeinated drinks.

Rep. Robert Menendez Jr. (left of podium) and Michael Katz (right of podium) speak at a Monday press conference. (George Caldwell/The Daily Signal)

“Sarah had solidly established roots, and she was beginning to soar on her wings,” said Michael Katz, her father. “And unfortunately … [h]er life was cut short, and who knows how high she could have flown.”

Sarah’s mother, Jill Katz, said, “I possess not only the priceless privilege—the privilege of life—but also an immense responsibility, the responsibility to help others and to make a positive impact.”

During the question-and-answer period, Menendez told a reporter that he thinks his bill could pass with the help of Republicans who align with Trump and Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

“Chris Smith is our Republican co-lead on it. We’re already in the first couple of days of looking for original co-sponsors up to the low teens already … . But I think it’s in line with the administration to make America healthy again, so I think we really could see traction on this,” said Menendez, whose father is a former Democratic senator from New Jersey.

“This is to allow people to make informed decisions. It’s not taking drinks out of anyone’s hands, just making better, healthier decisions that each individual can make for themselves. And we think that’s something that’s in line with the priorities of this administration,” he added.

In early March, Kennedy held a meeting with representatives of major food companies, at which he told them to remove artificial dyes from their products voluntarily to avoid being compelled to do so by the government.

When The Daily Signal asked Menendez if negotiations could be held with companies without the need for legislation, he replied, “We’re happy to engage in a conversation. I think what’s clear is that we want people to be able to make more informed decisions … . But this bill, in our opinion, is a fair way of doing that.”

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