Coke yanks Coca-Cola Zero in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela — Coca-Cola Corp. has temporarily stopped selling its Coca-Cola Zero brand in Venezuela after the country’s health ministry banned it, claiming the no-calorie soft drink contains harmful ingredients.

The Atlanta-based company, the world’s largest soft drink maker, also said Thursday that it is temporarily halting production of the brand in the area. It had been in Venezuela for two months.

Spokeswoman Kerry Kerr said Venezuela has not raised specific concerns about the formula or the company’s local operations. She said the company is in discussions with the government and the brand is safe.

On Wednesday, Health Minister Jesus Mantilla said the ban is aimed at “preserving the health of Venezuelans,” but he hasn’t elaborated.

The measure against Coca-Cola is only the latest episode in a long list of troubles assailing the company in Venezuela. A group of former workers, backed by legislators aligned with President Hugo Chavez, caused intermittent stoppages in bottling and distribution plants last year, hampering the company’s operations, according to Dow Jones.