Four Loko Reviewed by the FTC

The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing the popular malt liquor Four Loko after a receiving a wave of new complaints.

According to the Associated Press, the drink gained attention in 2010 after several college students in Washington State and New Jersey were hospitalized. The maker of Four Loko, Phusion Projects, was forced by the Food and Drug Administration to remove the caffeine component from the drug. The company complied but the drink still had a very high alcohol content.

The FTC accuses Phusion of advertising the cans to have the equivalent of one or two regular beers, when the number is allegedly closer to four or five beers.

The agency made a deal with Phusion last year that required the company to put new labels on the cans stating that the drink that contained the equivalent of more than two and a half regular beers and clearly showed the amount of alcohol in the product. The cans new cans were also designed to be resealed so the drinks could be consumed in more than one sitting.

The FTC received more than 200 comments from people wanting a stricter settlement, and others wanting a full ban on the product. A final decision from the agency on the settlement is expected before the end of the year.

A final decision from the FTC on the settlement - whether to approve it or change it - is expected in the next couple of months.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe product, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to learn about your options.

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