FOUR LOKO NO MORE

An alcopop that’s built up a cult following is being removed from US stores in its current form today on the orders of the Food and Drug Administration.


The passing of the popular drink has been mourned with almost religious fervour by its fans. But it will now disappear in its current formulation.

Four Loko has as much caffeine as a large coffee and is about three times as alcoholic – at 12% – as average-strength beer.

There were reports that students were becoming dangerously drunk on the product. The alcohol–caffeine mix is, says the BBC, “a combination those who drink it say tastes great and makes you feel good. But others describe it as a ‘blackout in a can’, and blame it for landing a number of students in hospital.”

“Four Loko is one of a range of such drinks on sale in the US, including Joose and Core El Jefe. Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration called on the top four manufacturers to take them out of circulation by 13 December.”

Four Loko will continue to be sold, but without the caffeine.