FDA Warns on Alcohol/Energy Drinks

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday notified manufacturers of all alcoholic-energy drinks that producing the beverages was now illegal. Though it was careful not to call it an outright ban, the move effectively guarantees that the products will disappear from shelves. Phusion Projects, the people behind the Four Loko, announced earlier this week that they would continue manufacturing the beverage without the caffeine and other stimulants, even though they "still believe, as do many people throughout the country—that the combination of alcohol and caffeine is safe." Many 18- to 20-year-olds have been hospitalized with alcohol poisoning and breathing problems after consuming the drinks.