Red Bull + Alcohol = Trouble

Caffeinated alcoholic drinks draw scrutiny after students end up in ERs.
The New York Times (10/27, A12, Goodnough) reports beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, especially "a brand called Four Loko," are drawing "scrutiny after students who drank it this fall at Ramapo College in New Jersey and Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., ended up in emergency rooms, some with high levels of alcohol poisoning." Physicians say "the drinks are dangerous" as "the caffeine masks the effects of the alcohol, keeping consumers from realizing just how intoxicated they are."
State officials urge FDA to act quickly to help stop abuse. "The 23 ½-ounce can of fruity malt liquor [Four Loko] sold in Washington and many other states packs 12% alcohol, the equivalent of drinking four or more beers and a cup of strong coffee," notes the Los Angeles Times (10/27, Murphy). Meanwhile, "several attorneys general across the country, including California and Washington, have urged the FDA to move quickly." In fact, "Washington Atty. Gen. Rob McKenna said Monday that barring national sales restrictions, he will seek a ban on caffeinated malt liquor beverages in his state." NPR (10/26, Fulton) "Shots" blog also covered the news.