Four Lokos were scheduled to be off all store shelves by Dec.13, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In a Nov. 17 press release, the FDA issued warning letters to 30 manufactures of caffeinated alcoholic beverages regarding the safety of their products. Among those manufacturers were Phusion Projects who produce Four Lokos. However, on Nov. 16, Phusion Projects announced they would voluntarily remove caffeine and other energy-boosting ingredients from their drinks. 

Four Lokos received their name through their four main ingredients: caffeine, taurine, guarana and alcohol. Each Four Loko contains a12 percent alcohol level and enough caffeine to equal around two cups of coffee all in one 23.5 oz can.  

However the potential danger comes from the high levels of alcohol and caffeine mixed together. It has caused many hospitalizations among college students. 

As consumers drink the Four Loko, the caffeine keeps them alert and energized, masking the effects of the alcohol. As a result, they often continue consuming more and more of the drink, increasing their alcohol level. However, when the caffeine wears off, the person starts to feel the effects of the excessive drinking, often resulting in black outs, alcohol poisoning and in some cases fatalities. 

Nine students of Central Washington University were hospitalized Oct. 8 due to the consumption of Four Lokos, according to ABC News. Authorities who responded to the party said that the students were in such bad condition that they assumed the students had been victims of the date rape drug. 

Although the drinks are already off all shelves, the company promises the beverages will return caffeine-free in the near future.