The latest issue of New Scientist magazine reports that the FDA may soon be banning the combination alcohol/caffeine drinks currently on the market.  The FDA, acting on the request of the National Association of Attorneys General, wants the manufacturers of these fad drinks to prove that the combination of alcohol and caffeine does not harm.

At issue is the fact that the addition of caffeine leads the consumer to believe s/he is less intoxicated than if strictly alcohol was  consumed, despite performing just as badly on sobriety tests .

Because it gives (young) people a false sense of sobriety, the consumption of these drinks is worrisome. In addition, caffeine is regulated to no more than 200 parts/million in soft drinks but is unregulated in alcohol. To date, the article reports that 27 companies have removed their combo drinks from the market.

Follow this link to read more about the effects of caffeine on alcohol intake.