Federal Trade Commission and Phusion Projects in Dispute Over Four Loko Beverage
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been arguing with Phusion Projects, the makers of the malt beverage named Four Loko, over the claim of false advertising for their beverage known as “blackout in a can.” Phusion Projects claims one of their malt beverages in a can is equal to one or maybe two beers while the FTC argues its closer to four or five, which is the equivalent of binge drinking.
One can of Four Loko is 23.5 ounces each and contains a super-sized, fruit-flavored, high alcohol content, carbonated malt liquor beverage, according to the FTC. This is equal to a man drinking five drinks or a woman drinking four drinks over the course of two hours. The article, referenced in Newsfeed says that in the settlement, Phusion will have to now produce their malt beverage in resealable packaging if it carries this type of potency.
While the new packaging may encourage the drinker to sip the beverage or perhaps not down it in one sitting, it’s hard to imagine that someone inclined to buy a drink like Four Loko has any sort of moderation on their minds. The Four Loko beverage is listed as one of the Top 10 Ridiculously Strong Drinks and used to contain caffeine but it was removed after FTC warnings that the combination of alcohol and stimulants was dangerous.
Currently, there is a period of public commentary on the subject going on until November 2nd and then the FTC will decide whether to finalize the agreement. The FTC would like to note that the settlement isn’t an admission of guilt by the makers at Phusion Projects.
Recently, Phusion Projects made the announcement that they will start producing a smaller line of drinks named Poco Loko and they will be only 16 ounces.
