COLUMBIA, MO. -- A popular drink among young people is losing its caffeine and keeping its high alcohol content.

FDA officials have put drinks like Four Loko on a federal warning list.

Recent controversy surrounding drinks, like Four Loko, contain 12 percent alcohol and as much caffeine as a cup of coffee after some college students in New Jersey and Washington ended up in emergency rooms with high levels of alcohol poisoning. 

Some University of Missouri students said the caffeine ban is a good idea.

“I feel it’s a lot safer, for many college students especially, who have been trying this on multiple occasions,” MU Student Alison Hoesli said.

“People drink Four Loko because of the convenience of the energy and the stuff together already,” MU student Marc Painter said.

Removing caffeine from drinks like Four Loko won’t stop people from getting their alcohol and caffeine buzz.  All they’ll have to do is buy an energy drink on the side.

Blending alcohol and caffeine is nothing new. One of today’s more popular drinks combines the energy drink Red Bull and vodka. Members of the MU Wellness Resource Center want to remind everyone that Four Loko will still contain a 12 percent alcohol content.

“If you are going to drink, do so responsibly. It’s always your choice. We don’t tell students not to drink, but we want to give them the tools and the education to keep themselves safe,” MU Student Life Wellness Resource Center Peer Education Graduate Assistant Jenna Jordan said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to four companies that said caffeine added to their malt alcoholic beverages is an unsafe food additive.

FDA Officials have not set a deadline to remove banned products from store shelves.