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Four Loko Dropping Caffeine From Drinks
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 17, 2010
Modified Nov 17, 2010
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By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 17, 2010
Modified Nov 17, 2010
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In anticipation of the FDA's expected ban on all caffeinated alcohol beverages, the company behind Four Loko has reluctantly announced they will remove caffeine, guarana and taurine from their products nationwide. Phusion Products LLC says in a statement, "We are taking this step after trying—unsuccessfully—to navigate a difficult and politically-charged regulatory environment at both the state and federal levels... We hoped that clear, consistent, industry-wide standards regulating pre-packaged caffeinated alcoholic beverages would be the outcome of these conversations. We also hoped others would share our commitment to transparency and fairness." Sorry guys, you'll just have to settle for unchecked outrage ruining the fun for everyone.
Yesterday, Chuck Schumer announced that after a year-long study the FDA will move to ban Four Loko and other caffeinated alcohol drinks around the country. He said the FDA will rule that caffeine is an "unsafe food additive to alcoholic beverages," and noted that, "Last month, nine students passed out and were hospitalized after drinking Four Loko, leading states and universities across the country to issue ban, limit, or issue warnings about the drink." The New York Times reports one 19-year-old even suffered a heart attack after drinking it. As he was leaving the hospital his doctor told him, "Don't ever drink Four Loko again."
Brooklyn Assemblyman Felix Ortiz has also been a member of the Four Loko opposition, and during an NBC 4 segment on an "underground Four Loko party," he decides to encourage teens to make better choices through moderation chug as much of the beverage as he can as fast as he can to prove its negative effects. After two and a half cans he is definitely intoxicated, his heart rate is 86 bpm and his blood pressure is 126 over 84. Shortly after, he starts vomiting. He told NBC, "This doesn't belong in our state and it doesn't belong in our country." Reportedly after a slice of pizza and some water, Ortiz felt better.
In our highly scientific poll, almost 82% of readers didn't think Four Loko should be banned. But just remember, as long as the FDA doesn't ban Jolly Ranchers, energy drinks, malt liquor and Sprite you can enjoy the delights of Four Loko right in your very home!
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Jaya Saxena
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