The Hill News

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration would issue a ruling effectively banning alcoholic drinks infused with caffeine.

Schumer said that the FDA would rule that beverages such as "Four Loko" or "Joose," which have drawn controversy on the state level, are unsafe, a determination that would effectively ban those products in the U.S.

“Let these rulings serve as a warning to anyone who tried to peddle dangerous and toxic brews to our children. Do it and we will shut you down,” Schumer said in a statement. "This ruling should be the nail in the coffin of these dangerous and toxic drinks. Parents should be able to rest a little easier knowing that soon their children won’t have access to this deadly brew.”

Similar beverages have resulted in statewide bans in New York state, Washington state, Oklahoma, Utah, and Michigan -- with other state bans pending. Critics say the drinks are targeted to! ward underage consumers with their high alcoholic and caffeine content, along with their flashy labeling.

The drink Four Loko, in particular, has drawn scrutiny for its alleged role in the hospitalization and death of underage college students who had reportedly consumed the beverage at parties.

Schumer isn't the only Democrat who'd pushed for a ban. Sen.-elect Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) had also pushed to outlaw the beverages.