Varying levels of carcinogens found in cola worldwide
Thursday, July 26, 2012 - 13:02
in Biology & Nature
Coca-Cola sold in California now contains little of the cancer-causing chemical 4-methylimidizole (4-MI). However new research shows that alarming levels of the carcinogen are evident in soft drinks elsewhere around the world. The carcinogen is formed during the production of the caramel coloring that is added to cola to give it its distinctive color. Chemical reactions between the sugar and ammonia result in the production of 4-MI, which causes lung and liver and thyroid cancer and leukemia in laboratory animals.