The fiasco has apparently come to a conclusion with the drama revolving around the energy drink Cocaine. It's been pulled off the markets in an attempt to avoid prosecution by the FDA in a scuffle over its name. Isn't that sad? Its NAME.

A message posted on the manufacturer's MySpace page reads:

May 2nd, 2007
To: All
Fr: Cocaine Energy Drink
Su: Cocaine is leaving us

Cocaine Energy Drink will cease distribution this coming weekend; Saturday, May 5th, 2007. Our Energy Drink will be released in a few weeks with a modified label in order conform to the FDA requests.

We want to thank all of you for your support. Product demand is enromous.

Thank you again!

Regards,

Jamey Kirby
Senior Partner/Founder
Redux Beverages, LLC
www.drinkcocaine.com

One 8.4 OZ serving of Cocaine Energy Drink contains 280 mg of caffeine.

Warning:

Cocaine Energy Drink is not recommended for pregnant women, young children, or people sensitive to caffeine.

Now, I understand that the FDA would get upset over the drink claiming to contain ingredients that prevent hardening arteries, or reduce cholesterol or other such accusations. I do not, however, agree with pulling the drink off the shelves simply because of its name, which is apparently the driving force behind this decision.

Quoted in a letter from the FDA to Cocaine's producer:

"Street drug alternatives, i.e., products that claim to mimic he effects of recreational drugs, are not intended to supplement the diet and, as a result, cannot lawfully be marketed as dietary supplements," states FDA's April 4 warning letter addressed to Redux partner James Kirby.

So its name is Cocaine. So what? It's not hurting anybody. The only thing it might "addict" you to is caffeine, which the world sees plenty enough of already. Nothing new there. So why pull the drink off the shelves because of its NAME?

Am I the only person that feels this to be just a little bit absurd?