American regulatory agency, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has banned the sale of energy drinks containing alcohol and caffeine, deeming them a danger to the public.
The FDA sent warning letters to four beverage companies known for producing the product that ordered them to stop adding caffeine to alcohol under penalty of seizure of goods. The companies have 15 days to stop selling the drinks, which can contain up to 12 per cent alcohol, and are widely popular among American young people.
Caffeine is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant, and mixing the two raises the risk of injury because people don’t notice the effects of alcohol when mixed with caffeine.
A recent study found that young and underage drinkers who combine alcohol with caffeine are more likely to suffer injury, be the victim of sexual assault, drive while intoxicated, and require medical attention than drinkers who consume caffeine-free beverages.