Coke and Pepsi have decided to remove a controversial chemical-methylimidazole from their drink recipies. The chemical is on California’s list of carcinogens.
The new recipe has less 4-MEI and has been introduced in California. The recipe will be rolled out throughout the US. Coca-Cola says that no health risks justify the recipe change. A Spokeswoman for Coca-Cola has said that the company wanted to ensure their products would not be subject to the requirement of scientifically unfounded warnings. 4-MEI has been linked to cancer in mice and rats according to one studies finding. However, according to the industry group the American Beverage Association no evidence exists that the chemical poses human risks.
The FDA in the US has long maintained that artificial food dyes are safe but as far back as the 1970’s some paediatricians and advocates have called for the elimination of dyes and preservatives especially in diets of children with behavioural problems.
