HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Chairman Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's warning against the use of caffeine in alcoholic beverages at any level, recognizing it as generally unsafe.  

"We thank the FDA for their action in recognizing the dangers that alcoholic energy products or AEDs present to the general public and for taking steps to see these products reformulated," said Stapleton. "Given the FDA's action, we are again calling on our suppliers to be responsible partners and remove these potentially dangerous and life-threatening products from their shelves until they have been reformulated and deemed safe for public consumption."

The FDA today warned four AED manufacturers that the caffeine added to their malt alcoholic beverages is an "unsafe food additive" and said that further action, including seizure of their products, is possible under federal law.

In a subsequent action, the Federal Trade Commission issued letters to the marketers of caffeinated alcoholic drinks, warning that marketing of AEDs could constitute an unfair or deceptive practice that violates federal law.

"All across Pennsylvania, we have seen the tragic effect mixing alcohol and stimulants can have on people who consume the products," Stapleton continued.  "We hope today's decision by the FDA and the FTC will serve as a reminder to all consumers about the dangers alcohol can pose when mixed with mind-altering stimulants like caffeine and not consumed responsibly."

Last month, the PLCB took swift action in asking its more than 17,000 licensees to stop selling AEDs until the FDA completed its investigation into the safety of these products. The PLCB also reached out to college and university officials statewide in an effort to educate students and their families about the dangers of AEDs.

For more information on the PLCB and its alcohol awareness efforts, visit www.lcb.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Stacey Witalec or Stacy Kriedeman, 717-783-8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

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http://www.lcb.state.pa.us