Reformulated Four Loco Approved For Sale By TABC, Caffeine Removed

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced on Wednesday it had approved the reformulated versions of the flavored malt beverage “Four Loko.”

The new formula no longer contains caffeine.

The approval allows the new Four Loko to be sold and distributed in Texas.

Reformulated versions of a similar beverage called “Crunk” are currently pending TABC approval, while applications for reformulated versions of “Joose” and “Core” are expected in the near future.

Two other beverages that contained alcohol and caffeine will apparently not return to retail shelves. New Century Brewing has ceased production of “Moonshot,” while United Brands Company has ceased production of “Max” and “3Sum” and has no plans to reformulate the products.

On Nov. 19, TABC asked alcoholic beverage retailers to voluntarily halt sales of the caffeinated malt beverages. That request came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined the popular drinks were unsafe and posed a public health concern.

Since mid-November, TABC agents and auditors have visited more than 11,000 retailers and found widespread voluntary compliance in the removal of caffeinated malt beverages.

Jeff Wright of Drink Four Brewing, one of the manufacturers of Four Loko, said his company “took immediate action to cease the production, shipment and sale of the caffeinated versions of our products” following the TABC order.

“We’re proud of the way we’ve mobilized our network of distributors and retailers to remove the old versions of our product from store shelves, where necessary. Our company has a history of working with regulators and making concessions, such as adding multiple warning labels to our cans and selling versions of our products with reduced alcohol content where required,” Wright said. “We’re proud to work with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to ensure compliance with all state rules and regulations that pertain to our reformulated products.”

For its part, the TABC said it was appreciative of the response of retailers, wholesalers and distributors in removing the products from store shelves.

“We applaud members of the alcoholic beverage industry for their commitment to uphold public safety despite any financial loss stemming from the removal of all caffeinated malt beverages from the retail market,” TABC Assistant Chief Dexter Jones said. “We appreciate their concern for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Texas.”