The Centre for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy group in the US, had filed a petition in February 2012 with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the use of ammonia-sulfit caramel in aerated drinks. Research was conducted on regular and diet Coca-Cola and Pepsi drinks available in Washington, DC. The group claimed the drinks contained high levels of 4-methylimidazole (commonly known as 4-MEI) which can be found in the caramel colouring used in the drinks. and is considered potentially carcinogenic.
The US FDA, however, said that there were no definite studies to prove the claim. A US FDA spokesperson said, ‘A consumer would have to drink more than 1,000 cans a day to reach the doses administered that have shown links to cancer.’
Despite the FDA’s clean bill, Coca-Cola has decided to reduce the amounts of 4-MEI used in their drinks in the US (in a phased manner, first in California). Coca-Cola’s official website states:?‘We have asked our caramel manufacturers to modify their production process to reduce the amount of 4-methylimidazole in the caramel.’
While Coca-Cola denied the “false and outrageous claims”, both Coke and Pepsi have modified the formulations of their drinks in the US. But have they done so in India as well?
Kamlesh Sharma, GM, public affairs and communication, Coca-Cola, India referred to the statement issued by Indian Beverage Association (IBA) which says that there are no adverse health implications from the use of caramel colouring. ‘This puts the issue in the right perspective,’ he said. When asked if Coca-Cola in India would be modified to remove 4-methylimidazole, he sent us links to Coca-Cola’s official statement. ‘We have asked our caramel manufacturers to modify their production process to reduce the amount of 4-MEI.’
Right Choice made several attempts to contact PepsiCo India for this report. The company did not respond to our calls and emails.
A statement issued by the Indian Beverage Association states, ‘The compound 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI or 4-MI) is a byproduct formed in certain foods and beverages during the heating, roasting and cooking process and is virtually ubiquitous – found in trace amount in foods and beverages that have been commonly consumed for decades.
‘It should be noted that 4-MEI is not added to food or beverage. Since 4-MEI may be formed when caramel colouring is made, caramel-containing foods such as cereals, beverages, baked goods, confectionery products, dairy products and condiments like soya sauce may contain detectable amounts of the compound.
‘The level of 4-MEI in caramel is regulated nationally by Food Safety Standards Authority of India, which is at par with that prescribed by FAO/WHO, Codex Alimentarius and the European Food Safety Authority. Leading public health organisations have reaffirmed safety of caramel. Hence, consumers have no reason at all to entertain any health concerns.’
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