In a bid to match policy in the United States, Health Canada in a statement on Friday announced a relaxation in its strict caffeine regulation policy which up till now inhibited the level of caffeine in carbonated drinks to 200 parts per million. According to the new rules, cola makers can now widen the use of caffeine in their products.

The Canadian industry, which had been calling for a change in standards to match those of their American counterparts, welcomed the announcement. However, the Government reiterated its recommendation of limiting caffeine intake to 400 mg, the equivalent of two to three cups of brewed coffee, per day.

According to current labeling regulations, drinks containing caffeine must state that on their labels. However, with new colas set to join the fray, the government is urging the companies to redesign the labels to indicate the presence of caffeine in their products. However, since this is not a mandatory stipulation it remains to be seen who will follow that suggestion.

Some nutritionists expressed mild alarm over the change in standards. According to David Schardt, Senior Nutritionist with the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington D. C., "One of the problems is that you may not know if a product has caffeine in it, or how much.”