'Four Loko' to go decaf after FDA pressure to remove caffeine

TAMPA - Makers of the caffeinated alcohol drink Four Loko says they will cut caffeine -- and other energy boosters -- from its formula.

Principals with Phusion Products announced their decision after word leaked Tuesday that the FDA is considering an across-the-board ban on all such canned drinks .

Critics say these 'blackout-in-a-can' beverages can combine as much caffeine as three cups of coffee with the alcohol equivalent of three to four beers, and they are aimed primarily at young people.

Phusion Products now says its drinks will no longer contain caffeine, guarana and taurine.

In a statement, company executives said, "The combination of alcohol and caffeine is safe. If it were unsafe, popular drinks like rum and colas, or Irish coffees that have been consumed safely and responsibly for years, would face the same scrutiny that our products have recently faced."