Wrigley Puts Alert Energy Gum Production And Sales On Hold

William Wrigley Jr. Co. suspended production and sales of its Alert energy gum as the United States Food and Drug Administration investigates the safety of caffeinated food products. Wrigley's launch of the new chewing gum coincided with the FDA's announcement of a probe into the effects of caffeinated products on children and adolescents. Caffeine has become a popular ingredient in food products, including hot sauce and beef jerky, prompting consumer advocates to be concerned that people could end up consuming too much of the stimulant. Government regulators have increased their focus on potential over consumption of caffeinated products among children. In November 2012, the FDA said it has launched a probe into whether energy drinks posed health risks to young people.