New Jersey student’s death prompts calls for federal caffeine regulation

NEW YORK (PIX11) – A New Jersey mother is sharing her daughter’s story in hopes of changing how high-caffeine beverages are labeled across the country, and the effort has now reached Capitol Hill.

“That was the day my life changed forever,” said Jill Katz. It’s been years since his daughter Sarah died. In 2022, a 21-year-old college student went into cardiac arrest while out with friends. Her mother says it all started with a cup of lemonade, loaded with caffeine.
“She was at a friend’s birthday party, in college, and she collapsed. She couldn’t make it,” Katz said. “It’s the call that keeps parents up at night.”

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Sarah had heart problems, and her family says she was always careful about what she ate and drank. According to his mother, he didn’t know that a 30-ounce drink he ordered at a popular restaurant chain contained 390 milligrams of caffeine.

For context, the FDA says that most healthy adults should consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, so Sarah’s drink was close to that limit in a single serving. “With grief, there is no recovery, but transformation,” Katz said. “Being involved in his legacy and being able to save other people’s lives in his memory.”

More: The latest news around the Tri-State

The restaurant chain has removed the item from its menu after several lawsuits.

Why Caffeine Levels Matter

Caffeine is widely used to increase energy by stimulating the metabolism and making the heart beat faster. However, doctors say that high doses can be dangerous, especially for people with underlying conditions.

According to the Caffeine Informer database, one shot of espresso contains about 77 milligrams of caffeine. Energy drinks can range from 80 to 300 milligrams, depending on the brand and size. “When you’re overstimulated, and the heart isn’t ready for that, they can just collapse,” says cardiologist Dr. Daniel Garcia.

Garcia says the lack of consistent labeling and regulation around caffeine can be dangerous for everyone from college students to older adults. “As a cardiologist, I strongly advise against any energy drink or high-caffeine drink,” he said. “You never know what the zodiac is and how your body will react.”

Bill inspired by Sarah’s story

Now, Sarah’s death is drawing the attention of lawmakers.

New Jersey Congressman Rob Menendez is pushing for the Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act, federal legislation that would require clear warnings about caffeine in foods and beverages.

If passed, the bill would:

• Companies are required to clearly list caffeine content on bottles, cans and packaging.

• Chain restaurants are required to disclose caffeine levels on menus.

• Flag items with 150 milligrams or more of caffeine with a visible “high caffeine” warning.

• Add advisory language about recommended daily caffeine limits.

• Order federal health agencies to study the health effects of caffeine and launch public education campaigns.

Supporters say the goal isn’t to ban caffeinated drinks, but to make sure consumers know what they’re getting before they take a sip. “People need to know what they’re putting into their bodies,” Katz said. “We’re not talking about limitations or restrictions. We’re talking about making an informed choice.”

The bill has bipartisan support in Congress, with a total of 14 cosponsors, both Republicans and Democrats.

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