The Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters Wednesday to four manufacturers of alcoholic

Описание: (17 Nov 2010) HEADLINE: FDA warns makers of alcoholic energy drinks
CAPTION: The Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters Wednesday to four manufacturers of alcoholic energy drinks often consumed by college students, saying the caffeine added to their beverages is an "unsafe food additive." (Nov. 17)

Four states have already banned high-energy alcoholic beverages like Four Loko -- and other states are considering similar action.
But now the FDA is stepping up its response by sending out letters to four of the industry's top manufacturers --- saying the caffeine that's mixed into the drinks is "an unsafe food additive."
[Notes:SOT ----VOICE OF / FDA]
"fda has found reason for concern that a number of caffeinated alcoholic beverage products do not meet the legal standard for safety."
[Notes:VO -----------------]
In recent years, the drinks have soared in popularity -- especially among college students.
But concern was sparked when several students wound up in the hospital after consuming the alcoholic energy drinks.
Experts say the caffeine that's mixed in with the alcohol can mask a person's feeling of intoxication -- leading to risky behavior.
[Notes:SOT -------------]
"the reason kids drink it is because it's really cheap....it's like 2-50 and it's 12 percent alcohol....it will get the job done."
[Notes:SOT -----------------]
" I think you do need to be cautious...i probably wouldn't have more than one."
[Notes:GRFX--------------LIST COMPANIES]
In addition to Phusion Projects' - which makes Four Loko -- the FDA's letters are also going out to Charge Beverages -- New Century Brewing -- and United Brands Company.
[Notes:VO --TWO SHOT WITH HERRERA]
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera (huh-RAIR-uh) is applauding the move.
[Notes:sot -- Dennis Herrera / S.F. City Attorney]
"they are incredibly dangerous....you have a 23 ounce can beverage....a beverage contains 12 alcohol and extemely high levels of caffeine."
[Notes:VO -----------]
Phusion Projects' announced Tuesday that it would reformulate its drinks and remove the caffeine -- a change the FDA describes as a positive step.
But a top executive with one of the other top manufacturers is expressing disappointment with the FDA's move.
All four companies have just over two weeks to respond to the letters and either explain how they will take their products off the market -- or defend the drinks as safe.

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