FDA warns makers of alcoholic energy drinks

By MARY CLARE JALONICK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to four manufacturers of alcoholic energy drinks, saying the caffeine added to their beverages is an "unsafe food additive."

FDA Deputy Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein said Wednesday that the agency has decided the combination of caffeine and alcohol in the drinks is a public health concern after a yearlong review of the beverages. The FDA said the government could seize the products if the companies continue to make them.

The agency said experts have raised concerns that the caffeine in the drinks can mask a person's feeling of intoxication, leading to risky behavior.

One of the companies, Phusion Projects, has already said they will remove the caffeine from their alcoholic drinks.

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