Any retailer or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages containing caffeine can be subject to enforcement action after Thursday, according to an Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division press release.

The action is a response to the Federal Drug Administration finding the alcoholic caffeinated beverages — such as Joose and Four Loko — are adulterated under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The federal administration provided manufacturers of these drinks 15 days to alter the formula to bring them into compliance or stop distributing them altogether.

Selling the beverages after the deadline can lead to revocation/suspension of a license or a $1,000 maximum penalty.

The division plans to investigate cases of the beverages being sold after the deadline if necessary, according to the release.

— by Nina Earnest