For years, "stupid law" sites all over the web poked fun at Canada, saying that "it is illegal for clear or non-dark sodas to contain caffeine".
Now non-dark sodas can contain caffeine in Canada
Well, it was true.
But the ban is over!
Since March 2010, you and your children have been legally able to enjoy a dose of caffeine in 7-Up or Mountain Dew as well as in Coke or Pepsi.
Yep, the caffeine commeth. "Health Canada has determined that adding the food additive caffeine to non-cola soft drinks at concentrations no higher than 150 parts per million (ppm) poses no health risk to consumers who consume caffeine in moderation..." notes a Food and Nutrition page at the Health Canada site.
"For many years, caffeine and caffeine citrate have been permitted in cola-type beverages to a maximum level of 200 ppm caffeine. In March, 2010, after an extensive review of all available science, Health Canada authorized the broader use of caffeine and caffeine citrate in all carbonated soft drinks (both cola-type and non-cola-type carbonated soft drinks). The maximum level of use in cola-type beverages remains 200 ppm and the maximum level of use in all other types of carbonated soft drinks is 150 ppm. "
Dang. If you really want a caffeine soda kick, you've still got to guzzle a Jolt cola!
PS: 2014/11/12 - Alas, Jolt Cola is no longer available in Canada. However, a number of "energy" drinks are on the store shelves and I have no doubt that many of them contain high doses of caffeine along with ginseng and other stimulants.
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such wonderful info being shared freely out there. efkbdaceeegk
According to Health Canada, “all lemon-lime drinks and the majority of root beer and citrus-orange soft drink brands do not contain added caffeine.” To be sure, just check the label, which must state whether or not the product contains caffeine.
Johnd85 August 11th, 2014 at 10:51