FDA questions safety of alcoholic energy drinks

WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration is challenging makers of alcohol-infused energy drinks to prove their beverages are safe, citing complaints that the products can cause dangerous behavior and injury.

The FDA issued a letter to 30 beverage manufacturers, saying they have 30 days to show evidence that the combination of caffeine and alcohol is safe.

FDA officials say they are taking action at the urging of 19 state attorneys general, who contend the drinks appeal to underage drinkers and encourage reckless behavior.

Larger companies like Anheuser-Busch already have removed caffeine from their alcoholic energy drinks. Remaining manufacturers include smaller firms like Los Angeles-based Joose Beverage and Portland, Ore.-based Charge Beverages.

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