THE US Food and Drug Administration is unimpressed by the fad for drinks that contain a double hit – alcohol and caffeine. Unless makers supply the FDA with scientific evidence that the drinks are safe they could be banned within months.

The agency is worried that consuming the drinks – which can mask the effect of alcohol – leads to rash behaviour, car crashes, violence and assaults. The FDA issued the ultimatum last week in response to a request made by the National Association of Attorneys General. “Caffeine added to alcohol poses a significant public health threat,” said a task force headed …