In the drink Coca-Cola found carcinogens
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Laboratory tests published on June 26 on the site of the Center for Science in the Public Interest showed a high level of carcinogens in a Coca-Cola drink made in Brazil, 67 times the amount of these substances in Brazil Coca-Cola from California.
The report indicates that the chemical carcinogen 4-methylimidazole (4-methylimidazole), known as 4-MI and 4-MEI, in threatening amounts is contained in a beverage sold in many countries around the world. This carcinogenic substance is formed in the dye "caramel", which is used by the company in the production of Coca-Cola.
CSPI warned about the high level of this substance before, after which in California the company reduced 4-MI to 4 micrograms in 355 milligrams of the drink, as shown by the CSPI tests.
The California authorities demanded that Coca-Cola place a warning on the labels of its products on the risk of developing cancer and produce drinks with a level of 4-MI lower than 3 micrograms per 355 milliliters. A warning on the labels should indicate that there is a real risk associated with taking 30 μg 4-MI per day.
The level of this substance found in products made in Brazil reaches 267 micrograms of 4-MI by 355 milliliters, which is much more than the allowable 3 μg. The tests also showed high levels of 4-MI in beverages made in Kenya (177), Mexico (147), Canada (160), United Arab Emirates (155), England (145) and Washington (144). Lower levels were observed in Japan and China, with 72 and 56 μg 4-MI, respectively.
The chemical reaction between sugar and ammonia creates 4-MI, a substance that causes cancer of the lungs, liver, thyroid and leukemia, according to experiments conducted by the US government, according to CSPI.
The leading manufacturer of "coloring caramel" offers a dye that does not contain 4-MI, and says that such a product is four times more expensive than usual, so the company does not buy it, as the report says.
"Now that we know that we can almost completely eliminate this carcinogen from drinks, there will be no excuse for Coca-Cola and other companies if they do not do it all over the world," concludes the CSPI report.
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