A citizen’s group explained their ‘distaste’ towards chemicals found in many food and beverage products, including many soft drinks including Pepsi and Coke. The group explained the chemicals found increase cancer risks, and hope the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will ban these chemicals.
The American Beverage Association explained this is simply another potential consumer scare and contains very little scientific basis for the accusations.
The primary chemicals up for debate are those that produce caramel color, namely 2-methylimidazole and 4-methylimidazole.
The petition outlines that these chemicals have been shown to cause specific cancers in animals, and have been listed in the National Toxicology Program.
Additionally, the group explains that safe consumption levels are less than 20 micrograms per day, while a 12 ounce can of soda may contain over 100 micrograms of the chemical.
The group explains that these chemicals have been found to produce tumors in mice, and that these chemicals should be banned from being in everyday foods.
The American Beverage Association explains that many of these claims are false, as the chemicals, while listed in toxicology reports, do not pose significant harm towards humans.
Only time will tell how the FDA rules on the potential banning of caramel coloring.