A watchdog group is asking the Food and Drug Administration to ban the "caramel coloring" used in Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other soft drinks.
In a regulatory petition filed today, the Center for Science in the Public Interest argued that the coloring is contaminated with two chemicals, 2-methylimidazole (2-MEI) and 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), that it says are produced with ammonia and cause cancer in test animals.
A variety of trade groups and beverage companies struck back, calling the complaint irresponsible and unfounded.
"Our beverages are completely safe," Coca-Cola Co. said in a statement. "CSPI's statement irresponsibly insinuates that the caramel used in our beverages is unsafe and maliciously raises cancer concerns among consumers."
The Grocery Manufacturers Association said there is no evidence that 4-MEI causes cancer or poses any other health risks to humans. Meanwhile, the American Beverage Association called the petition "nothing more than another attempt to scare consumers."
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