Schumer: FDA will effectively ban caffeinated alcohol drinks
Chuck Schumer's office says the FDA "will rule that caffeine is an unsafe food additive to alcoholic beverages, effectively making products such as Four Loko, Joose, and others like them, prohibited for sale in the United States."
A story in NYT this morning reported that an official FDA ruling could come today -- a spokeswoman for the agency said it was "taking a careful and thorough look at the science and the safety of these products."
The Paterson administration announced this past weekend that the company behind Four Loko had voluntarily decided to stop selling the beverage in New York State.
Schumer has been pushing for a ban. Last week he called for the state liquor authority to ban caffeinated alcoholic beverages in the state. Michigan banned them earlier this month, and Washington did the same last week. And Oklahoma has a ban set to start next month. And they apparently have been banned for some time in Utah.
photo: Flickr user jameskm03
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Comments
But...but...
Lowering the ease of access makes some sense, but will this lead to mixed drinks that contain liquor and caffeinated beverages (I'm looking at you Stoli & Red Bull) going to be further regulated next?
... said ned on Nov 16, 2010 at 1:38 PM | link
@ Ned: Mixed drinks are just that, mixed at the point of consumption. Much as bomb ingredients are legal for sale separately (though often controlled or registered), Red Bull and your choice of liquor are still legal for sale as separate products.
... said Alex on Nov 16, 2010 at 1:59 PM | link
In related news: Cocaine dealers across the nation increase inventories based on recent projections showing increases in expected demand.
... said Jackers on Nov 16, 2010 at 2:35 PM | link
People can drink kerosene if they so choose, but we don't put it in a 23.5 oz. aluminum can and sell it at Stewart's either.
... said Beaver on Nov 16, 2010 at 8:17 PM | link