After six Indian states banned Coca Cola either completely or partially because they say it contains harmful pesticides, the Coca Cola company has asked UK government scientists to test the stuff. The scientists said, in a press conference in Delhi, that coca cola is safe, as far as European Union standards are concerned.
The partial bans, involving five states, include the sale of the drinks in colleges, schools and hospitals.
Campaigners in India have doubts about the tests, which were carried out at the Central Science Laboratory, UK. The lab is famous worldwide for finding levels of pesticide residues in foods and drinks.
The campaigners, headed by the Centre for Science and Environment, say the tests are not valid as the samples were provided by the Coca Cola company.
Coca Cola says its drinks are safe for human consumption.
Local business people in India are concerned that these bans could have international trade repercussions. Kiran Pasricha, who represents one of the Indian industry federations, stressed that the decision is a political one.
The drinks pose a health risk, say local governments, and that is why they have imposed the ban.
The Centre for Science and Environment claims that its tests showed very high levels of pesticides – dangerous levels. Coca Cola disputes this. The Indian Soft Drinks Manufacturers Association says that its products manufactured in India are absolutely safe and meet every safety standard set by food and health and regulatory bodies in India and around the globe.
— The Centre for Science and Environment, India
— Central Science Laboratory, UK
— Coca Cola Releases Test Results
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today