Senate panel approves ban on powdered caffeine for minors

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Powdered caffeine may soon be outlawed for minors in New Jersey.

The state Senate's Law and Public Safety Committee approved a measure on Thursday that prohibits the sale of the substance to residents under 18.

Late last year, the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers to avoid powdered caffeine after the death of an Ohio teenager.

A teaspoon of the substance is equivalent to 25 cups of coffee.

The bill would make the sale of powdered caffeine a disorderly offense punishable by a $500 fine, a 30-day prison sentence or both.

On Thursday, the committee opted to advance the measure banning the substance to minors rather than a bill outlawing it altogether.

A similar bill has been introduced in the Assembly.

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