FDA Seeks To Strike "Blow"

FEBRUARY 27--The manufacturers of a powdered energy drink mix called 'Blow' are violating federal drug guidelines, according to the Food and Drug Administration, which notes that products peddled as an 'alternative to illicit street drugs pose a potential threat to the public health.'

FDA officials contend that 'Blow' is an unapproved drug that is being marketed online (at iloveblow.com) in a way to draw comparisons to cocaine. In a warning letter, Alonza Cruse, director of the FDA's Los Angeles office, charged that the white powdery mix is packaged 'in a vial suggestive of street drug paraphernalia' and that photos of the product make it appear that the mix has been cut into 'very fine particles to increase the efficiency of nasal absorption prior to insufflation, i.e., snorting.'

The January 31 FDA letter, a copy of which you'll find here, advises that unless the manufacturer of 'Blow' quickly cures its violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the company risks legal action and seizure of its product. A call to Logan Gola, who runs the company selling 'Blow' was not returned at press time.

Since its introduction last year, the energy drink mix has been criticized by law enforcement officers and drug prevention specialists, who have claimed that 'Blow' glamorizes drug use and is marketed to children. (3 pages)