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Caffeine (developmental, > 300 mg/day)

CAS 58-08-2

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What it is + why it's regulated

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and many sodas and energy drinks. It is also added to some medications and supplements. Under California Proposition 65, caffeine is listed as a developmental toxicant when consumed in amounts exceeding 300 milligrams per day. This means that high daily intake during pregnancy may pose a risk to fetal development. The listing is based on scientific evidence that very high doses can affect growth or cause other developmental issues. It is important to note that moderate consumption—typically under 300 mg per day, or about two to three cups of coffee—is not covered by this warning. The regulation focuses on consistent, high-level intake, not occasional use. For reference, a typical 8-ounce cup of coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine. This summary draws on public regulatory data from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Proposition 65 list; the linked source is authoritative.

Authoritative source

Issuing body: California Proposition 65
Primary register: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list

Always verify each fact at the primary register before acting on it.

What this is NOT

ProductGuru is an INDEX of public regulatory data, not a primary source. This page is not medical, occupational-health, or legal advice. Every claim above is drawn from the issuing-agency register linked. Inclusion in our index is not endorsement, condemnation, or hazard assessment.

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