Ban on caffeinated alcoholic drinks in the United States

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Four Loko Beverage Large Can

The ban on caffeinated alcoholic drinks in the United States refers to the regulatory actions taken to prohibit the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages that contain added caffeine. This ban was implemented due to health concerns and the potential for increased risk of alcohol-related harm.

Background

Caffeinated alcoholic drinks, often referred to as "alcoholic energy drinks," combine alcohol with caffeine and other stimulants. These beverages became popular in the early 2000s, particularly among young adults and college students. Brands such as Four Loko, Joose, and Sparks were among the most well-known.

Health Concerns

The combination of alcohol and caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading individuals to underestimate their level of intoxication. This can result in higher consumption of alcohol, increased risk of alcohol poisoning, and dangerous behaviors such as drunk driving. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised concerns about the safety of these beverages.

Regulatory Actions

In November 2010, the FDA issued warning letters to manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic drinks, stating that the addition of caffeine to alcoholic beverages is "unsafe" and can lead to a "public health concern." The FDA's action was supported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which warned that marketing these products could be considered deceptive and unfair.

Following the FDA's warnings, several states took independent actions to ban the sale of caffeinated alcoholic drinks. By the end of 2010, most major manufacturers had voluntarily removed caffeine from their products or ceased production altogether.

Impact

The ban on caffeinated alcoholic drinks led to a significant reduction in the availability of these products in the United States. Public health officials have noted a decrease in emergency room visits and incidents related to the consumption of these beverages. However, some individuals have attempted to recreate the effects by mixing energy drinks with alcohol on their own.

Related Pages

• Alcohol and health
• Energy drink
• Alcoholic beverage
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Federal Trade Commission