Michigan announces statewide ban on alcoholic energy drinks

The explosive popularity of alcoholic energy drinks laced with caffeine, guarana and other body-tricking stimulants, combined with a series of incidents involving young consumers who suffered serious -- some nearly fatal -- health effects after drinking them, has led Michigan to issue a statewide ban on the controversial drinks.

The state's Liquor Control Commission said it banned the products due to misleading packaging that is designed to appeal to teenagers and because of the conflicting mix of chemical ingredients that can encourage excessive consumption. The ban covers 55 drinks from four manufacturers, which will have 30 days to phase out their products from the market.