Coke Zero has antiseptic banned in Taiwan
Updated: 2011-07-18 18:55
By Gao Qihui (Chinadaily.com.cn)
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A batch of Coca-Cola Zero imported into Taiwan from Shanghai has been found to contain an additive banned by Taiwan authorities but allowed on the Chinese mainland.
One batch of the syrup used to make free-flowing Coca-Cola Zero has tested positive for methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, a kind of antiseptic，which cannot be added to fizzy drinks in Taiwan, the Xinmin Evening News reported on Monday.
According to test results of the health department of Taiwan, each kilogram of syrup in the batch tested contained 2062 milligrams of the banned antiseptic. The batch of this original liquid has been banned from sale in Taiwan. However, the addictive is not banned on the mainland.
Cola-Cola said in a statement that this antiseptic is allowed by the food-related laws in many countries and regions including the USA and Hong Kong.
The banned syrup is used to make Coca-Cola Zero used in drink dispensing machines, such as those used in some fast-food chain stores, and is not used in the bottled or canned beverage.
Zhai Mei, a Coca-Cola Co. official, said the sample tested in Taiwan was concentrated ingredients and it would be diluted before sale. After dilution, the percentage of the antiseptic will be much lower – 0.015 milligram per kilogram, Zhai added.