FDA Warning on Alcoholic Energy Drinks like Four Loko
The Food and Drug Administration warned makers of alcoholic energy drinks today that their products are unsafe and the government may seize the products if companies don’t remove the caffeine from them. The FDA warning about the safety of alcoholic "energy" drinks was harsh but why did it take so long?
Who are the rocket scientists who thought selling beverages full of alcohol and caffeine that appeal to minors was a good idea?
One of the most popular energy drinks, Four Loko, contains about 12% alcohol which is the equivalent of two beers. In addition, a can of Four Loko contains as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said the combination of caffeine and alcohol in the drinks is a public health concern and the government can seize the products if the companies continue to make them. According to Hamburg, "Evidence has shown their consumption has led to alcohol poisoning, car accidents and assaults."
The energy drinks look very innocent. The beverages are sold at convenience stores, right next to the Coke and bottled water. But the teens who buy a Four Loko can get the same buzz as drinking two beers---and it's all perfectly legal.
New York Senator Charles Schumer made a statement to the media on Tuesday about the FDA warning:
"This ruling should be the nail in the coffin of these dangerous and toxic drinks. Parents should be able to rest a little easier knowing that soon their children won't have access to this deadly brew."
Four Loko is called "blackout in a can" has already been banned in several states after the drink was linked to several accidents and deaths.
I'm happy to see some action regarding Four Loko and other energy drinks but how did it get to this point? Will someone tell me why "blackout in a can" was EVER legal?
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