FTC Closes Two-Year Investigation of Joose With No Action

SAN DIEGO -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) closed its investigation into United Brands Co., maker of the malt beverage Joose, without taking any action. The agency did not provide an explanation or any findings regarding the closure in a recent notice to the company.

In 2010, the FTC sent warning letters to United Brands and competitors, notifying them that an investigation into their various marketing practices was underway. In these letters, the FTC cited concerns about the safety of caffeine as an additive. United Brands responded by removing caffeine from Joose and re-releasing the beverage.

"This was a case of guilt by association. We work to be responsible innovators. We have always set and applied high ethical standards for our company," stated United Brands President and CEO Michael Michail. "We stand successful and retain our Joose brand equity."

United Brands will be able to continue selling its products without changing its labels or packaging, the company said.

"We are thrilled the Federal Trade Commission closed the case regarding Joose," Michail said. "We work every day to formulate beverages that appeal to our customers' tastes and, of course, we want them to be safe as well."