Soft drink makers can now add synthetic caffeine to their non-cola products.
A news statement on the government website says, "Health Canada has determined that adding synthetic caffeine to non-cola soft drinks in concentrations no higher than 150 parts per million (ppm) poses no health risk to consumers when they follow Health Canada’s recommendations for maximum daily caffeine intake."
Health Canada considers the maximum intake to be 400 mg per day for a healthy adult. That measures out to three cups of coffee.
Authorities in the United States and Europe allow a concentration of 200 ppm.
Health Canada made this decision "after an extensive review of all available science."
Too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, headaches, irritability, dehydration and nervousness.
Health Canada is also asking manufacturers to voluntarily identify the amount of caffeine on product labels.
Health Canada says, "The front of packaging labelling will help consumers to clearly identify those products whose formulations now contain caffeine."