As a result of a letter sent to the Food and Drug Administration by Attorney Generals of states including Utah, California and New York on September 18 detailing why they think that caffeinated alcoholic drinks are dangerous, the officials have notified as many as 30 manufacturers of these drinks that a closer look at their products will be taken.

According to the agency, it is not just the safety factor of popular drinks like Mix Master Beverage's 24/7 and Joose by United Brands, but also the fact that if it is even legal to add caffeine to drinks which contain alcohol.

The letter by the Attorney Generals cited various studies detailing how caffeine, and other similar stimulants, mask a drink's intoxicating effect leaving the drinkers at an increased risk of indulging in activities such as deliberate risk taking, violence, accidents and even suicide. One of the most recent studies in this context revealed that these drinks were consumed 30% more by college students who indulged in "heavy episodic drinking and episodes of weekly drunkenness".

Any add-on ingredient in foods is considered a "food additive", and as confirmed by the FDA, "additives require premarket approval based on data demonstrating safety submitted to the agency". As of the current stance, caffeine has been approved only for use in soft drinks. As for alcoholic drinks, these have not been given official approval and the beverages face a possible ban.