Personal Injury Law

FDA to Review Safety of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages

By Jamie G. Goldstein

Who would have thought 23.5 ounces of a caffeinated, flavored malt liquor brew that many have dubbed as 'liquid cocaine' or a 'blackout in a can' could ever be harmful? Makers of the alcoholic drink 'Four Loko' are coming under fire for claims that the alcoholic drink is a danger to society, especially students on college campuses. Although it only contains 12 percent alcohol, drinking one can is the equivalent of drinking 5 beers and taking several shots of espresso at the bargain basement cost of $2-$4 a can.

At the urging of lawmakers, the FDA is now officially reviewing the drink after never before evaluating the effects of alcohol combined with caffeine. Across the country, college campuses are banning and liquor stores are pulling the drink after several alarming incidents. Several college students at Washington State University were hospitalized recently after drinking Four Loko. While doctors initially suspected a drug overdose or ingestion of date-rape drugs, the true cause was consumption of the potent beverage. Critics also object to the cans brightly colored packaging, stating that it can be confused for juice or soda and appeals mostly to the younger set, encouraging underage drinking.

However, should this drink really be banned? After all it only combines alcohol and caffeine, two perfectly legal ingredients. Some argue that this is just the latest 'nanny state' effort to regulate an overprotected society. Others argue that the stimulants and fruity flavors trick the body into not realizing it is drunk, which can lead to more alcohol consumption and thus greater rates of alcohol poisoning. Recently, a man from St. Petersburg, Florida admitted to drinking Four Loko and smoking marijuana before killing another in a drunk driving accident. The drink may not have any redeeming societal value, but the same could be said for any alcoholic beverage. What do you think? Should Four Loko stay or should it go?

Full post as published by Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer on November 03, 2010 (boomark / email).