DeLauro Responds to FDA Actions on Caffeinated Beverages

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Chairwoman of the FDA and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement in reaction to the FDA's announcement banning the addition of caffeine to alcoholic beverages. This will effectively ban dangerous drinks such as Four Loko, which has been linked to health concerns. These caffeinated alcoholic beverages had previously received Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status.

"The FDA's move to send warning letters to the companies that produce these beverages, coupled with their ruling that caffeine is not safe when added to alcohol, is a strong step forward. For more than a year, the FDA was aware of the potential dangers associated with these beverages, and their actions today reflect the gravity of the situation.

"This case highlights the problems of the GRAS process, and confirms findings by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that FDA's oversight of this process is inadequate. Caffeinated alcoholic beverages had been on the market for years before the FDA decision today, and these types of delays in response times is unacceptable. It is clear that a better process is needed. I strongly urge the FDA to implement the recommendations outlined in the GAO report to better implement and enforce our product safety standards in a timely, effective manner. It is the responsibility of the FDA to protect the American people, and I look forward to their vigilance in restricting these and other unsafe products."