Death of New Jersey student sparks calls for federal caffeine regulation
NEW YORK (PIX11) — A New Jersey mother is sharing her daughter’s story in hopes of changing the way highly caffeinated drinks are labeled across the country, and now that effort is reaching 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 university student had a heart attack while out with friends. Her mother says it all started with a caffeine-filled cup of lemonade.
“He was at a friend’s birthday party in college and fainted. He didn’t make it,” Katz said. “It’s the call that keeps parents awake at night.”
Sarah had a heart condition and her family says she was always careful about what she ate and drank. According to her mother, she didn’t know that 30 ounces of the drink she ordered from a popular restaurant chain contained up to 390 milligrams of caffeine.
For context, the FDA says most healthy adults should consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, so the beverage Sarah drank was close to that limit in a single serving. “There is no healing in grief, there is transformation,” Katz said. “To be included in his legacy and to be able to save the lives of others in his memory.”
More: Latest News from the Tri-State
The restaurant chain removed the item from its menu after multiple lawsuits.
Why do caffeine levels matter?
Caffeine is commonly used to increase energy by stimulating the metabolism and increasing the heart rate. But doctors say high doses can be risky, especially for people with underlying conditions.
According to the Caffeine Informer database, a single shot of espresso contains approximately 77 milligrams of caffeine. Energy drinks can range from 80 to 300 milligrams, depending on the brand and size. Cardiologist Dr. “When you stimulate so much and the heart is not prepared for it, they can collapse,” Daniel Garcia said.
The lack of consistent labeling and regulation of caffeine can be dangerous for everyone from college students to older adults, Garcia says. “As a cardiologist, I am absolutely against any energy drinks or high-content caffeine beverages,” he said. “You don’t know exactly what the amount 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 passage of the Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act, federal legislation that would require clearer warnings about caffeine in food and beverages.
If enacted, the bill would be as follows:
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Require companies to clearly list caffeine content on bottles, cans and packaging.
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Require chain restaurants to disclose caffeine levels on their menus.
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Mark products containing 150 milligrams or more of caffeine with a visible “high caffeine” warning.
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Include advisory language about recommended daily caffeine limits.
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Order federal health agencies to study the health effects of caffeine and launch public education campaigns.
Supporters say the goal is not to ban caffeinated beverages but to ensure consumers know what they’re getting before they take a sip. “People need to know what they’re putting in their bodies,” Katz said. “We’re not talking about restriction or prohibition. We’re talking about making an informed choice.”
The bill has bipartisan support in Congress, with a total of 14 co-sponsors, both Republicans and Democrats.
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