FDA gives beverage companies 30 days
The FDA is getting into the business of mixing drinks. Employing a dangerously questionable array of regulatory powers, the agency is trying to determine if the the combination of caffeine and alcohol is a tempting and harmful brew for underage drinkers. Rather than do any investigative work of their own, they are giving producers of these drinks 30 days to prove that the alcoholic energy drinks are safe.
What makes them think these drinks are not safe? As difficult as this is to believe, some consumers have reported that the drinks apparently encourage “risky behavior.” Shocker.
The FDA contends that the real purpose of their investigation is to make sure the beverage companies are not pandering these products toward underage adolescents because the cans look very much like non-alcoholic energy drinks that are marketed toward youths. This video details the dangers of low prices and appealing packaging. Careful corporations, you might just improve your sales!
Stories like this highlight the utter worthlessness of the FDA. It isn’t that consumers are complaining that the drinks are bad, that the beverage companies are making false claims, or that they have broken any laws or violated anyone’s rights. Simply put, some people have it in their heads that these drinks have effects they don’t like and they are appealing to government to stop others from voluntarily consuming these products, the effects of which they seem enjoy.
Regardless of marketing, it’s illegal to sell alcohol to minors. So, if it is the case that youths are purchasing these alcoholic energy drinks, is it the beverage companies fault and responsibility? Or should the appropriate enforcement agency i.e. the police, investigate potential violations of the law?