Consumers exposed to possible cancer risks in many soft drinks, consumer group says
February 22, 2014
In Consumer Reports’ recent tests of sodas and other soft drinks, 4-methylimidazole, a potentially-carcinogenic chemical byproduct of the production of certain types of caramel color, was found in the samples that listed caramel color as an ingredient.
Twelve brands of sodas and soft drinks from five manufacturers – including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Goya – were tested.
“We are concerned about both the levels of 4-MeI we found in many of the soft drinks tested and the variations observed among brands, especially given the widespread consumption of these types of beverages," said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, a toxicologist and executive director of the Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center.
Caramel color is used in some food and beverages as a coloring agent. Some types of this artificial coloring contain 4-MeI, which has been recognized as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
While there are no existing federal limits on the amount of caramel color allowed in food and beverages, products sold in California that would expose consumers to more than 29 micrograms of 4-MeI in a day are required to carry a warning label under the state’s Proposition 65 law.
Between April and September 2013, Consumer Reports tested 81 cans and bottles of various brands of soft drinks purchased in stores in California and the New York metropolitan region. Twenty-nine additional samples were purchased and tested in December 2013.
In its tests, Consumer Reports found that 12-ounce single servings of two products purchased multiple times during an eight-month period in California – Pepsi One and Malta Goya – exceeded 29 micrograms per can or bottle. Consumer Reports thinks that these levels are too high and the organization has asked the California attorney general to investigate.
After Consumer Reports informed PepsiCo of its test results, the company issued a statement that said that Proposition 65 is based on per day exposure and not exposure per can. It also cited government consumption data that shows that the average amount of diet soda consumed by people who drink it is 100 milliliters per day, or less than a third of a 12-ounce can. For that reason, they believe that Pepsi One doesn’t require cancer-risk warning labels – even if the amount of 4-MeI in a single can exceeds 29 micrograms.
Government data show higher levels of daily consumption of soft drinks, Consumer Reports says.
The organization also found samples of Coke with average levels of 4.3 micrograms or less per serving, which is much lower than California’s threshold for labeling.
“While our study is not big enough to recommend one brand over another, our results underscore two key points: The first is that it is indeed feasible to get down to lower and almost negligible levels of 4-MeI. And the second is that federal standards are required to compel manufacturers to minimize the creation of this potential carcinogen,” said Rangan.
Other findings from Consumer Reports’ tests include:
- Coca-Cola products tested had the lowest levels of 4-MeI for products with caramel color listed on the label.
- While Whole Foods’ Dr. Snap has a “natural” label, its products contained 4-MeI. All caramel colors are considered artificial.
What the government can do
Consumers Union, the policy and action arm of Consumer Reports, has filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It's asking the FDA to:
- Set a standard for limiting the formation of 4-MeI in those caramel colors that contain it – caramel III and IV.
- Require labeling of specific caramel colors in the ingredient lists of food where it's added, so consumers can make informed choices. Not all caramel color contains 4-MeI, but consumers have no way of knowing. Europe already requires this type of labeling.
- Bar products from carrying the “natural” label if they contain caramel colors.
What consumers can do
Consumer Reports said the best consumers can do to avoid exposure to 4-MeI is to choose soft drinks and other foods that don't list “caramel color” or “artificial color” on their ingredient list.
The Consumer Report's findings are featured online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Yet another reason not to drink Coke or Pepsi (or any other drink with high fructose corn syrup)!
Posted by: Tom Sightings | February 23, 2014 at 12:32 PM
Hi Tom,
Yes, it's a good idea not to drink Coke or Pepsi and other drinks with high fructose corn syrup.
Rita
Posted by: Rita | March 11, 2014 at 01:22 AM