Pepsi Still Contains Cancer-Causing Ingredient

Lance Devon, naturalnews.com |

Last March, a third party watchdog group, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found dangerous levels of a carcinogen in the caramel coloring of Coke and Pepsi products.

The carcinogen, 4-methylimidazole, is a byproduct created during the production of caramel coloring. As the caramel coloring goes under high pressures and temperatures, sugars react with ammonia and sulfites, forming the 4-MEI byproduct.

When animal studies showed “clear evidence” that 4-MEI was a toxic carcinogen, including thyroid, liver, and lung cancer incidents, the National Toxicology Program threw up red flags.

It was in 2011 that the state of California responded to the lab results, effectively banning the carcinogen from their state. Since then, all cola products in the state of California have been required to be properly marked with a cancer causing warning label, according to Prop 65 consumer protection laws.

Over a year later, Pepsi still contains high levels of 4-MEI

In the wake of their products being exposed, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo began to change their soda formula for products sold in California. They took an even bigger leap forward when they gave CEH their word that they would not only change their California products, but they would also change their nationwide formula as well, eliminating the production of the carcinogenic 4-MEI altogether.

Unfortunately, according to CEH, over a year later, Pepsi hasn’t complied. Pepsi purchased from ten states reportedly still contains high levels of 4-MEI, while Coca-Cola has taken drastic measures to rid 4-MEI from their products.

Executive Director of CEH, Michael Green, reiterated the importance of honest state labeling laws that help consumers make informed choices. “We applaud Coke for taking this health protective action for consumers nationwide. Pepsi’s delay is inexplicable. We urge the company to take swift action to provide all Americans with the same safer product they’re selling in California.”

Pepsi: 4 to 8 times more poisonous

After asking 10 volunteers across the country to purchase Coke and Pepsi products from 10 different states, the CEH gathered the samples in early June 2013 and tested them for the carcinogen. Lab tests revealed little or no 4-MEI in nine out of ten Coke products, whereas, all ten of the Pepsi samples contained high levels of the carcinogen. Furthermore, outside California, Pepsi products were found to be 4 to 8 times more poisonous than the Pepsi products sold inside California!

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