New York, NY: Phusion Projects, the makers of the controversial energy drink Four Loko, is facing a potential class action, over allegations that they deceived consumers about the dangers of the drink - which has been called "blackout in a can."
The case, filed in federal court in California last week on behalf of Jacqueline Richardson, claims that the company committed fraud and violated California consumer protection law, by disguising the dangers of the drink: every can of Four Loko contained the caffeine equivalent of one cup of coffee and about the equivalent alcohol content to four or five beers.
Phusion introduced Four Loko in 2005, and it was sold in 23-ounce cans in Watermelon and Uva Berry flavors. In November 2010 the Food and Drug Administration sent Phusion a warning letter regarding the safety of Four Loko, which a number of cities and states have banned due to reports of young people being hospitalized after drinking the beverage.
