Mich. to Review Alcoholic Energy Drink Labels

Michigan's Liquor Control Commission will scrutinize the labels and packaging of alcoholic energy drinks, the Associated Press reported Sept. 18.

The regulatory agency is concerned about the health effects of the drinks, and whether they are inappropriately marketed to minors.

“We believe that these products sometimes are misleading people,” said commission chairwoman Nida Samona. The commission will require that companies change the labels or packaging of drinks if regulators believe they do not accurately represent the amount and percentage of alcohol and caffeine they contain.

Companies will have 90 days to make changes. “If they don't comply, it comes off the shelves,” Samona said.

Michael Mikhail, CEO of United Brands Company, which manufactures Joose — one of the beverages under scrutiny —  said his company does not market to minors.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D.-N.Y.) called for a review of the marketing practices and health effects of the alcohol and caffeine-infused drinks in July. Michigan is among the first states to initiate such a review. California, Montana, and Utah have already taken steps to restrict access to the drinks.