Caffeine is safe when used in low concentrations as a food additive in non-cola soft drinks, Health Canada says.

The health agency issued a release Friday saying synthetic caffeine is fine if it is added to soft drinks in concentrations less than 150 parts per million (ppm). "The authorized concentration for non-cola beverages is lower than the maximum 200 ppm authorized under the Food and Drug Regulations for cola beverages," it said.

Manufacturers are allowed to begin selling products with caffeine while the new regulatory changes are being drafted.

Synthetic caffeine is still not allowed in other foods, the health agency said.

Health Canada also wants manufacturers to improve their labelling to more clearly state the sources of caffeine in a given beverage and to indicate how much total caffeine is present. It is also asking cola makers to flag on their packaging that their product contains caffeine — especially if it is a beverage to which caffeine has recently been added.