FDA Warning: Dangers of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning to companies that make alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine on Nov. 17, 2010. The warning accuses the companies of including an "unsafe food additive" in the products, and states that it is possible that the products could be seized under federal law.

The FDA warning is based on findings from a scientific study conducted by the agency. Study results show that it is unsafe for consumers to mix caffeine with alcohol, says the FDA warning. The agency claims that the products pose a public health concern. The companies have 15 days to correct the violation or respond to the warning.

Phusion Projects, LLC Faces Another Four Loko Lawsuit

Phusion Projects, LLC faces another lawsuit involving its alcoholic-containing energy drink, Four Loko. The most recent lawsuit was filed on behalf of a woman who suffered an amputation injury in a car crash.

The driver of the car that crashed allegedly consumed four cans of Four Loko before driving. The plaintiff claims that the caffeine in the drink made the driver appear more sober than she actually was. The lawsuit blames the caffeinated alcoholic beverage of making people less aware of their intoxication.

A separate lawsuit, filed on behalf of a family of a 20-year-old man who committed suicide after drinking several cans of Four Loko, claims that drinks that mix alcohol and caffeine increase the consumer’s risk of suffering physical injury, alcohol poisoning, impaired driving and sexual victimization.

Phusion Projects, LLC agreed to remove the caffeine from Four Loko.

FDA Warns Phusion Projects, LLC and Three Other Companies

The FDA sent the alert to four companies for the following products:

• Core High Gravity HG, Core High Gravity HG Orange, and Lemon Lime Core Spiked made by Charge Beverages Corp.
• Moonshot made by New Century Brewing Co., LLC
• Four Loko made by Phusion Projects, LLC (doing business as Drink Four Brewing Co.
• Joose and Max made by United Brands Company Inc.

Have You Been Harmed by a Caffeinated Alcoholic Drink?

If you or a loved one has suffered harm after drinking Four Loko or another product that contains alcohol and caffeine, contact McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A. for help. We may be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.

Call 1-800-978-1986 to speak with a personal injury attorney at McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A..