Schumer calls for FTC probe of drinks

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) wants the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the marketing of certain alcoholic beverages based on the possibility that they may be aimed at underage drinkers, CTV News reports.

Schumer sent a letter to FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz on Sunday to call for a probe. 

In his letter, he targeted the small print used to disclose alcohol content on drinks such as Joose and Four Loko. Such beverages can have an alcohol content up to 12 per cent, or twice that of beer.

“We do not target college kids. We don’t condone it,” said Michael Mikhail, the head of the United Brands, which makes Joose.

But Schumer said the packaging is designed to attract younger consumers with flashy colors and designs. Flavors include grape and orange and the prices are low.