What has local doctors, legislators, and police cheering - and many young people mourning?
Alcoholic energy drinks - nicknamed "blackout in a can" - are about to disappear.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters Wednesday to the manufacturers of alcoholic energy drinks telling them it is illegal to produce the beverages.
Anticipating these developments, Phusion Projects, maker of the best-known brand, Four Loko, announced Tuesday that it was removing caffeine and the natural stimulants guarana and taurine, leaving potent malt-liquor beverages that taste more like fruit-flavored sodas than beer.
They were doing so, the company's founders said, even though they "still believe, as do many people throughout the country - that the combination of alcohol and caffeine is safe."
Though it isn't being called an outright ban, the FDA's action, along with related steps taken Wednesday by other federal agencies regarding packaging, marketing, and distribution, is likely to banish the beverages from store shelves nationwide.
"Well, that's a start," said Peter Mercer, president of Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah, who banned the beverages from campus six weeks ago after learning of students who had been rushed to the emergency room after consuming them. "I think now we have the question of what size container are they going to market it in and how are they going to market it."
Robert McNamara, chairman of emergency medicine at Temple University Hospital, was glad to hear of the FDA's action. "We've seen a lot of students, younger people, use the product and get into trouble."
That trouble, mainly among 18- to 20-year-olds, includes alcohol poisoning and breathing problems.
"We've had to put young people on ventilators, put a tube in their lungs," McNamara said. "That's on the edge of dying."
Legislators in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, who recently discussed regulating these kinds of drinks, applauded the FDA's move but were unsure whether a state-level ban was still necessary.
Premixed caffeinated malt liquor beverages have bubbled up in popularity and controversy in recent months.
Also called "liquid cocaine," 231/2-ounce cans of Four Loko and Joose contain 12 percent alcohol (five or six beers' worth) and caffeine said to be the equivalent of three or four cups of coffee. They appeal to underage drinkers with low cost - less than $3 each - a quick buzz, and sweet fizzy flavors, packaged in colorful cans sporting edgy designs.
Caffeine masks the effects of the alcohol, which can lead to overconsumption and clouded judgment.
"FDA does not find support for the claim that the addition of caffeine to these alcoholic beverages is 'generally recognized as safe,' which is the legal standard," said Joshua M. Sharfstein, the FDA's principal deputy commissioner. "To the contrary, there is evidence that the combinations of caffeine and alcohol in these products pose a public health concern."
The letters were sent to Phusion; Charge Beverages Corp., which makes Core drinks; New Century Brewing Co., maker of Moonshot; and United Brands Co., which produces Joose and Max. The manufacturers will have 15 days to respond to the FDA's finding that adding caffeine to alcoholic beverages is unsafe. If the companies don't reformulate the drinks, further action could include seizure of the products or an injunction barring production until the violation is corrected. The FDA action did not target liqueurs such as Kahlua, which contains caffeine because one of its ingredients is coffee.
As a result of the FDA's decision, the Federal Trade Commission warned the same manufacturers that their marketing of the products may be illegal, while the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau said it was notifying producers, wholesalers and importers that they are prohibited from selling or shipping the beverages.
Michael Rockower, owner of Monster Beverage in Glassboro, where Rowan University is located, said he expected the Four Loko wholesaler to advise him soon that it would take back all of the beverages.
Judging by comments posted on Twitter, the prospect of losing Loko in its current form left young people feeling wistful.
"RIP Four Loko," wrote one woman. "We should do our duty as young people & throw a 'Four Loko Banning' party," tweeted a man.
"It was great!" said another woman. "Bye bye Four Loko the FDA has spoken."
47 comments:
Energy drinks are great, but even I'm smart enough to know that combining them with another drug that has opposite effects is stupid and dangerous. Caffeine, falling under the stimulant category, should not be combined with drugs that fall under the depressant category, like alcohol! Common sense would tell you that putting these two things together would make for a bad, dangerous combination. I mean seriously, just pick one or the other! But let's face it, 18-20 year olds are indeed stupid when it comes to things like this. If it sounds fun, tastes good, and has killer effects... we're probably going to try it. Therefore, I believe that the FDA was right in banning these, since our judgement isn't mature enough to sustain from them on our own.
This is so insane. Why would the manufacturer of Four Loko even think this was okay or would last? That is so dangerous. I feel sympathy for those in which didn't know about the product being created for underage drinkers, and experienced problems because of it. However, those who drank it fully understanding what it was were just setting themselves up for disaster. I mean, unless the manufacturer themselves didn't fully comprehend the actual potential danger these drinks could expose to young drinkers, although I'm not sure that's the case. Ridiculous. And they should definitely be banned.
This seems kinda....ridiculous. If a cigarette can be sold as long as it has a warning label on it, then why can't an energy drink be too? The weird thing is, I know once this really goes into effect that there are going to be caffeine junkies hoarding cases of monster and amp in their garages, dealing them on the black market like cocaine. What really puzzles me though, is how on earth did these drinks get passed to be safe for public consumption in the first place? If they truly are that seriously harmful, why did the FDA allow them to be purchased at every 7-11? What else have I been eating that could potentially send me into cardiac arrest?
Alcohol and caffine seems like a really bad combonation. If this drink has put people in the hospital and close to death, I can see why the FDA is getting adament about banning alcoholic energy drinks. However, those cases are probably extreme cases where people were drinking numerous of those drinks.
well if there stupid enough to consume enough of it and abuse the beverage then yeah get rid of it they lost that "privaglige". the health people say that it's a safe combination so it's just the people who are abusing it they should just get rid of it if it's really making this big of a deal.
I think this is a good idea, because the effects of caffeine highs are real bad, but mix that with alcohol, "where did this rainbow unicorn tattoo come from?"
I think the FDA did the right thing by placing setting restrictions on this drink. From what has been reported, it is obviously dangerous. However, I'm sure that people will still try to imitate the effects of this drink with energy drinks and alcohol.
In my opinion, the combination of caffeine and alcohol is pure stupidity. However, if this issue is viewed objectively, another argument can be pose. If both caffeine and alcohol(with boundaries) are legal, then what gives the FDA the right to outlaw the combination of the two. The FDA is part of the government whose role is to magnify, protect, enforce, and substantiate the will of the people. If many health-care providers are cheering the eradication of these drinks, then in the name of protection of not those who drink these drinks but others who might be influenced or negatively affected by these drinks. The FDA then has complete right and reason to do such.
This drink is ridiculous. The name it's self is a contradiction. A stimulant + a depressant just doesn't work. I'm glad they are getting these dangerous drinks off the streets. The FDA has a responsibility to protect us and I think they are acting logically.
I think it's great that the FDA has done something against these kinds of drinks. I think the more and more companies are forced to produce healthier products the better. Given the businesses won't like it because they make such copious amounts of money on their products, but I think in the long run humanity will be better off with nourishment that doesn't get us all wired up.
Honestly, I believe that "an alcoholic energy drink" is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever heard. Why would you need an energy boost when you're drinking. It's not like you're going going to do any physical activity that requires both of these things at the same time, unless it was a running race that required you had to be completely wasted to enter. Now, with that being said, I don't quite understand why it's illegal now. If it is illegal because it appeals to people underage, then that wouldn't make any sense because regular alcoholic beverages also appeal to people underage. With this illegal, people are going to just mix energy drinks with alcoholic beverages. However, that may lead to something even more dangerous. This could be such a greater threat because people don't know how much alcohol and caffeine they're mixing together, which could end up deadly. Alcoholic energy drinks seem like a horrible idea but they still should be illegal.
I think its a good idea that the FDA is banning the sell of f=Four Loko. Most people don't understand that drink like that are hurting their body more than they are helping and in the long run it could make their lives shorter. Everyone always wonders why so many young people die more often today, and its because of drinks like this one, Joose and other energy drinks. I personally am not a fan of these and I have seen many of my peers fall under the addiction of energy drink consumption. I worry about them because I don't want to see someone i care about lose their life because of the unsafe drinks they consume. Yay for the banning of Four Loko.
I think they are doing what needs to be done. It is bad enough that we have drunk people driving and now have drunk hyper people on the road going twice as fast. I am pretty sure it is necessary and for the general people's benefits. Sorry Drunks:(
I'snt it common knowledge that energy drinks are bad for you in large quantities and just set you up for a tiresome crash. I dont think it should be completely necessary to remove the drinks. Its alot like drinking straight u alcohol. People should have the common sense and responsibility to drink them.
obviously these drinks should be made illegal, causing people to faint and other health concerns are caused by the mix of alcohol and caffeine and having 12% alcohol, that is pretty bad. so i am completely for the illegalizing of this product, and there should be tests that should be conducted before passing of any items like this in the future.
Caffeine and alcohol together is so unnecessary, if it's a danger to the consumer they shouldn't have produced it. The companies founder probably does know all about the side affects but he is just in it for the money so with out the concrete evidence against the combo they went ahead.
First of all how stupid are they to say that combining alcohol and caffeine is a safe thing and that it won't have any kind of unsafe reaction in the body. Second of all whats going to happen when this drink gets into the hands of teenagers younger than 18. They will just think its some fruity energy drink and the next thing you know they are being rushed to the emergency room for alcohol poisioning. Its a good thing this drink is banned.
Well it is crazy the kind of alcoholic beverages they come up with these days. Maybe they wouldn't have to ban four loko if teenager or students in college wouldnn't drink so many of those large cans or drink them so fast. Also if they are banning these "alcoholic energy drinks" why are they not banning energy drinks like redbull and monster all together because they all cause the same problem.
Of course if you make something that's illegal that already looks "cool" taste good there are going to be even more people that misuse it. This is just like the flavored cigarettes that were banned too. It os good that they're doing something about it though. If you make something that dangerous so appealing there are going to be consequences. But, the alcohol companies knew what they were doing, and nonetheless marketed their item.
i think its a good thing that they ban these drinks..they should have known to not combine these two drinks because it is very lethal. underage teens shouldnt even be drinking at all but it happens and they are also a big buyer of the four lokos. so yes great idea to ban these.
Yeah, caffeine gives people enough jitters. Throw in alcohol and you've got a mess big enough for a reality show on MTV... or maybe just the CW, but whatever. The companies thought they were clever with names like "Phusion" and "Joose". Why not just call it "Death in a Can"?
I think the FDA is taking proper action banning these drinks. Especially considering their targeted consumers are young adults and teenagers with the sole purpose of drinking to get drunk. They are very dangerous and most of these young adults don't know what they are actually drinking. These drinks obviously aren't "safe." I think that's been proven by blackouts, alcohol poisoning, and ventilators. If the FDA hadn't taken action I think there could have been many unecessary injuries and lawsuits and probably even some deaths.
FDA made a good decision in banning these drinks. Why would the country want these younger kids to go against the law and do underage drinking, while the whole time they are doing this it just ends up hurting them and their health. It will limit the near death experiences these kids are also facing, and save many lives.
I agree that th removing of the drinks is a good idea because if they are causing that many issues especially among students then it should be adressed and have consequences. i agree that they should be removed.
The FDA's ban on alcoholic beverages is just an act to make Americans believe that they are actually performing their professions correctly. Deducting the substance of caffeine from alcohol won't make the drinks any less harmful. People will continue to drink any alcoholic beverages, and therefore continue to commit destructive crimes. I however, have failed to witness the FDA attempt to ban cigarettes, which are easier for young adults to purchase, and more lethal. But actually prohibiting something detremental to society would mean that the FDA would have to perform its duty, which they are uncapable of doing at this particular moment. Therefore, we must submit to mild bans, that aid no one. Thanks FDA for all that you accomplish.
I'm glad the FDA is looking to protect us from ourselves. Even if everyone knows a product is harmful, people will still use it, i.e. tobacco and even alcohol to a point. By outlawing products, the FDA protects us and makes it harder for us to hurt ourselves.
I think the FDA is doing the right thing. If this beverage is causing people to go to the emergency room something about it is obviously unhealthy. The teenagers who want this beverage to stay available are not very concerned about their lives. All they want to do I get wasted.
i think that it is a bit late for them to really prevent young people from mixing regular energy drinks with there booze, now that they know that they like the taste.
I think that energy alcoholic drinks shouldn't be banned. If they are going to ban something for being harmful and a danger to young people, then they also need to ban alcohol. I think the people who are being affected by the energy alcoholic beverages are the ones who shouldn't even be drinking alcohol in the first place. I think people need to be educated about the situation, not a complete and totaly ban.
I definitely support the ban on the combination of caffeine and alcohol drinks. If people who drink it are so affected that they need ventilators, then it's definitely not "safe". Also, although the caffeine raises the energy level, it does not raise the alertness level since the alcohol is in the liver. Allowing the sale of these drinks only results in judgement impaired people with too much energy.
I am so happy these drinks have been banned, I think they are disgusting and horrible for people's health. Thank you FDA!!
I think this is a really good development. However, there is the possibility that there will be quite a bit of unhappiness surrounding the issue. Health problems concerning energy drinks are not often publicized.
The FDA are a bunch of fascist and all the people quoted supporting this and the senator who took the crusade are no better. I miss personal freedom to do anything.
I think that there should only be a temporary ban on the drinks in certain areas such as colleges until the company can reformulate their product. They say that this drink is harmful because people between the ages of 18-20 are misusing it, but this is the exact same conflict we've had with underaged drinkers for much longer of a period. Intoxicated minors and drunk drivers must be causing at least as many hazzards if not more. I think that the general rule of intaking with reasonable limits in mind apply here just like with all stimulants. If "generally recognized as safe" is the standard then why haven't alcoholic and tobacco products been banned? Double standards are not fair or polite to use, you people!
These drinks are insane. And very dangerous. These are much more dangerous than a simple beer or glass of wine. Alcohol and coffee? You might as well be drinking gasoline. I mean seriously, these are not safe. I think the government is in the right with banning these. It's kinda like led in paint. I'm glad they're banning something like this. It's just bad.
What an interesting article. Energy drinks have always seemed a little iffy to me and well, now there is evidence why that is so. It is sad that this information was discovered only after the college students had become ill. Think about those people driving- so hyped up they can't concentrate and so drunk they don't want to. So scary.
Is it just me or are people getting dumber and dumber?
Its like those packages on happy meal toys that say "keep away from small children/chocking hazard". Those warnings weren't there twenty years ago, because people were smart enough to not let their kids inhale Barbie's purse. But now that everyones an idiot, everything has a warning or a ban on it. I mean really, if people are not smart enough to realize that they just because the booze comes in a huge can doesn't mean they have to drink all of it, then legislatures need to let them chug themselves right out of the gene pool, because if they procreate, their children are going to need even more warnings.
Grant Curry
AP Government
1st period
I think it's great that they are trying to remove alcoholic energy drinks. It will lower accidents wtihin our area. Alcohol alone is dangerous and putting them together with energy drinks is very dangerous.
I think that if people are suffering from alcohol poisoning and breathing problems then this is a good move by the FDA. People are causing alot of harm to themselves by drinking these drinks because of caffeine masking the effects of alcohol and they drink more than they can take. If these drinks are banned, I think that we will find more people being able to function and live much better.
I think that if people are suffering from alcohol poisoning and breathing problems then it's good that the FDA is doing this. People are causing alot of harm to themselves because of caffeine masking the effects of alcohol so people drink more than they can take. I think that with these drinks banned people will find that they can function and live better.
i think this is good to band this stupid drink. There is no good of this drink for ppl and i think that it is good to band this drink. It just makes ppl go hyper and don't think. i think it is really goodto band this drink.
alcoholic energy drinks? isnt that an oxymoron? just in case drunks arent energetic enough lets throw some b vitamins in and see if we can get them to drive faster.
I agree with this article. Its very convincing and there doesn't even seem to be any reason to keep such a product. If cocaine's illegal, "liquid cocaine" should also be illegal. These Four Lokos and Joose drinks are having a disgustingly high deteriorating effect on young people. These young people are supposed to be America's future, if these minds are poisoned what will happen to our country? This should not be a state ban, I feel this should be federally banned.
How could a company support the idea that caffeine has no effect on alcohol. It could only be common sense that caffeine considered a drug and alcohol(a drug) mixed together can and will be lethal. These complaints, through my reasoning, is probablly the cause of concerned parents, who in my opinion should be concerned. Kids have access to everything these days and most of them tend to use that to their advantage so YES take it off the shelves...PLEASE.
I have never had one of those energy drinks but truely i think that it is great that the FDA is getting rid of it. I feel like they are trying to go back to the early 20th when pretty much every product in the stores had either alcohol or some type of cocaine in it. It is just sad to see that people think that they need to drink something like this to keep them going on a daily basis. It is because of product like this that get people addicted to drugs and alcohol at an early age.
I think this is a good idea because energy drinks are unhealty to start off with. And with alcohol, it just makes it worse. For people who drink a lot of energy drinks that have alcohol, the effects may be much worse. The FDA is just looking out for us.
ok so i partcially agree with this article. i do think that young people (people under 21) should not be allowed to purchase these drinks. if they have alcohol in them then they shouldnt be sold to people under age. but in the other side i do think that companies should be allowed to continue making them. people who are of age enjoy them and they make money and jobs for others. if they are following drinking laws then i dont see a problem with them.
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