News

September 16, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Deanna Collard, Prevention Specialist
101 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40202
502-589-8600

‘Zipper’ Alcoholic Products Masquerade as Safe Snacks

Have you ever heard of “Zippers” or “zipper shots?” These pre-packaged and commercially sold alcoholic products also are known as “gelatin shots” because of the fruit-flavored gelatin added; liquid at room temperature, they have a gelatin-like consistency when chilled. Zippers contain 12% alcohol (24 proof) per 50ml container (approximately 2 oz.), which is almost three times the amount of alcohol in a 12 oz beer.

While some believe Zippers are relatively new to the alcohol scene, they actually have been around for many years. What is new is the packaging. People use to make gelatin shots at home; today they come pre-packaged under the name Zippers. Today, Zippers are packaged in containers similar to plastic snack packs or other after-school snacks children may put in their lunch boxes (similar to the individual snack-size applesauce, pudding and Jell-o). The containers virtually go unnoticed by parents and teachers. Because of the packaging, Zippers can get into the hands of teens if they are not properly coded as an alcohol product. An 8-pack retails for about $10.

Zippers come in exotically named flavors such as Vodka Splash, Rum Rush, Whisky Drop and Tequila Tea. Additional new flavors due soon include Blue Hawaiian, Melon Head, Purple Hooter and Fuzzy Navel - many of which reportedly taste like fruit drinks. There is a fear that some teens also are more apt to try Zippers because the fruit flavor masks the liquor taste.

Zippers are not sold everywhere, but they are in Kentucky. Besides being marketed on the Internet by BPNC, Inc., Toledo, Ohio, they are sold in 19 other states. Nine more states soon may join the list. In the Louisville area, Zippers are sold in liquor stores but not in grocery and convenience-type stores, and they list Fubar Corp., Genoa, Ohio as the Manufacturer.

What should parents and schools look for? It is important to be educated on this product and be able to spot them. It is easy to assume the youth are eating Jell-o. If Zippers become available in grocery stores, note if these alcohol products are with the Jell-o snack packs and complain to the store manager. This is an opportunity for you to educate yourselves, schools, communities, liquor stores and other retail outlets of this product. More than 40% of individuals who started drinking before 13 will develop alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence at sometime in their lives. Zipper shots may attract youth because of the fruity taste and could become a gateway product as youth are more likely to move on to other alcohol products.

Seven Counties Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that provides planning, prevention, treatment and support in the areas of mental health, alcohol and other drug abuse, and mental retardation and other developmental disabilities in Jefferson, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, Henry, Oldham, and Trimble counties. It is Kentucky's largest comprehensive mental health center, and one of the nation's largest. More than 1,400 clinical and administrative staff members provide services to approximately 22,000 persons each year.