Does this peanut butter belong in your medicine cabinet?

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said in a press release Sunday that he is concerned about potential health concerns in caffeinated food products. In the release, the New York Democrat singled out Massachusetts-based Steem Peanut Butter, which contains as much caffeine as two cups of coffee in each two-tablespoon serving.

Schumer wants the Food and Drug Administration to investigate the peanut butter, saying it may pose a health threat to children. He said in his statement that he hopes the FDA will address the safety of caffeine in food products and its labeling.


“To think that peanut butter, one of the snacks most closely associated with children, might have to be stored in the medicine cabinet as opposed to the kitchen cabinet should serve as a jolt to the FDA. This caffeinated peanut butter should spur the agency to address the issue of caffeine being added to everyday food products and the effect that will have on the health of consumers and children,’’ the senator said.

Steem’s co-founder told Boston.com Tuesday that the company follows all current regulations—and then some.

“We’ve been fully compliant with all regulations that exist on caffeinated food, which is shockingly small actually. There are some regualtions, but it is very limited. No one is required as of now to label caffeinated content on their packaging,’’ cofounder Chris Pettazzoni said.

He said though there are few regulations, Steem has wanted to be as clear as possible on their labeling for consumers, listing the caffeine per serving and per entire container since the company’s start one year ago.

Steem also issues warnings to its consumers on their website: “stick with the normal serving suggestions for the best effect’’ and do not give the product to animals.


“I don’t really know if there is as big of an issue here as the senator is saying,’’ Pettazzoni said. “Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world. It’s not something intrinsically bad. It is a stimulant that when used responsibly will have the intended effects. We’re not talking about anything new here.’’

Pettazzoni said he hopes the product can continue to be an alternative to energy drinks and coffee.

The peanut butter contains only peanuts, salt, peanut oil, and agave nectar. The caffeine comes from green-coffee extract that bonds with the peanut butter’s unsaturated fats so the digestion process is slower and results in a steady release of energy, according to the product’s developers.