Evaluation of the genotoxicity of theobromine and caffeine.

Published data on the mutagenicity and genotoxicity of theobromine and caffeine were analysed by the Carcinogen Prediction and Battery Section (CPBS) method. In spite of some positive responses, these analyses did not predict for theobromine a potential for causing cancer by virtue of a genotoxic mechanism. Caffeine, on the other hand, clearly has potential for genotoxic carcinogenicity. The predictive performance of cost-effective batteries consisting of selected combinations of four assays was also evaluated. The predictions were similar to those derived when all the available test results were considered.