Food Safety

Four Loko Gets a Makeover

This can is now vintage.
This can is now vintage.

The Federal Trade Commission and Phusion Projects finally reached a settlement on Four Loko. The frat-boy favorite is going to sport a new label, which will solve all the problems it causes. If the malt beverage exceeds two servings of alcohol, it’s required to have an “alcohol facts panel” on the back. Study up before you chug! The FTC says that a 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko is the equivalent of four to five beers, but someone smart decided not to put that on the can. Information on how to get drunk quickly and cheaply is like catnip for teenagers, whom this drink has left hospitalized.

Phusion co-founder Jaisen Freeman should be happy that Four Loko isn’t banned altogether, but he’s still a little pissy: “While we do not agree with the FTC’s allegations regarding these issues, we consider this agreement a practical way to move forward,” he says. Another provision requires that the Four Loko containers be made resealable to dissuade people from guzzling it in one sitting. The only thing less appealing than Four Loko is leftover Four Loko.

Government seeks changes for malt liquor Four Loko [AP]
Phusion Projects Reaches Agreement with FTC [Phusion Projects Media Room]
Earlier: A Brief (Hypercaffeinated) History of Energy-Drink-Related Deaths and Illness

Four Loko Gets a Makeover