Marin Institute Commends New FDA Probe of Caffeinated Alcohol Producers

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CONTACT: Michael J. Scippa (415) 548-0492
Michele Simon (415) 257-2485

Marin Institute Commends New FDA Probe
of Caffeinated Alcohol Producers

San Rafael, CA (November 13, 2009) --- Marin Institute, the alcohol industry watchdog, praised the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today for its leadership in writing to nearly 30 producers of potentially dangerous caffeinated alcoholic beverages. The FDA is demanding that manufacturers of products such as Joose and Four Loko demonstrate evidence of product safety and legality within thirty days. Without such evidence, the agency will take appropriate regulatory action, including possible seizure of products.

“Adding caffeine and other stimulants to alcohol has always presented a serious danger for youth and all drinkers,” stated Michele Simon, JD, MPH, research and policy director for Marin Institute and co-author of the organization’s landmark 2007 report Alcohol, Energy Drinks, and Youth: A Dangerous Mix. In that report, Marin Institute recommended that the FDA and other federal agencies take appropriate regulatory action, including conduct research into the potential hazards of these products.

Research has shown that stimulants such as caffeine can mask the intoxicating effects of alcohol and that youth who consume alcohol plus caffeinated beverages are at higher risk of being physically injured, riding with a drunk driver, and of having risky sex.

“Attorneys general in 29 states recognized the danger of these products over the past year and pressured the major manufacturers MillerCoors and Anheuser-Busch InBev to pull and reformulate its products,” Simon added. “With today’s FDA action, this potentially dangerous product category may thankfully be coming to a close once and for all.”

Recommended Links

• FDA Requests Proof of Safety of Alcoholic Energy Drinks (November 2009)
• Big Alcohol Watchdog Video: Alcoholic Energy Drinks
• The Dangers of Alcoholic 'Energy' Drinks: November 17, 2009 Green960 radio program with Marin Institute's Michele Simon on the FDA's probe into the safety of caffeinated alcohol products
• FDA Questions & Answers on Caffeine in Alcoholic Beverages
• FDA List of Manufacturers Contains More Than 40 Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks
• Marin Institute FAQ on Alcoholic Energy Drinks
• FDA Requests Proof of Safety of Alcoholic Energy Drinks

Marin Institute is an alcohol industry watchdog based in San Rafael, CA.
www.MarinInstitute.org

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