Dive Summary:
- The Center for Environmental Health tested samples of Coke and Pepsi from California, as well as 10 other U.S. states, and found that all Pepsi samples from outside the Golden State contained the chemical 4-methylimidazole (4-MI), which in large doses has been linked to cancer in rodents, according a report released Wednesday.
- Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi announced in March 2012 that they would change their coloring process for their colas, phasing out the chemical and avoiding the need for a cancer warning on labels.
- Pepsi Co. responded to the report's findings, announcing that the process of removing 4-MI (which is not banned in the United States, Europe or Canada) in the U.S. would last until February 2014.
From the article:
... "Pepsi's delay is inexplicable," Michael Green, CEH's executive director, said in a statement. "We urge the company to take swift action to provide all Americans with the same safer product they're selling in California." ...