In 2009, smaller companies, such as Phusion fell under investigation because of their rise in market share. On November 13, 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration warned Phusion and over two dozen other brewers and distillers whose drinks contained the "intentional addition of caffeine" that it was looking into the safety and legality of their beverages. These companies may be forced to discontinue products such as Four unless they can prove that the addition of caffeine to alcohol is "generally recognized as safe.""Phusion submitted a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) report for combining caffeine and alcohol to the FDA for its review.
The Dangers
Four Loko 'a $2 blackout in a can', is made from mixing a stimulant (caffeine) with a depressant (alcohol). When people combine the two, they tend to not feel the alcohol as much since the caffeine is keeping them more alert. However, when the caffeine wears off, then the person feels the full effects of the alcohol. This often causes the consumer to drink more than they normally would because of the delayed 'drunk' feeling. A study was done at the University of Florida which found students who drink Four Loko tended to think they were capable of driving more often than those who drank non-caffeinated alcoholic drinks.
Message MCCN Editor, Crystal Johnson- There are several reports online from various credible news sources, reporting about the drink.
