A study commissioned by the government of India has detected five different kinds of toxins in soft drinks made by two multinational companies, PepsiCo and Coca Cola, The Indian Expressreported.
Random samples of 600 ml PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles of Pepsi, Coca Cola, Mountain Dew, Sprite and 7UP were tested by the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIH&PH) in a study that was commissioned by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which is affiliated with the health ministry.
The results of the test, conducted in February-March, revealed traces of heavy metals like antimony, lead, chromium and cadmium as well as the compound DEHP, or Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, in four bottles of each of the brands picked up through "stratified random sampling method".
The results were submitted by the AIIH&PH to Jagdish Prasad, Director General of Health Services and chairman of DTAB recently.
There are no permissible limits for heavy metals in cold drinks but their presence are not desirable. Tests found 0.029 milligrams per litre (mg/L), 0.011 mg/L, 0.002 mg/L, 0.017 mg/L and 0.028 mg/L of antimony, lead, cadmium, chromium and DEHP, respectively, in Pepsi. In Coca Cola, 0.006 mg/L, 0.009 mg/L, 0.011 mg/L, 0.026 mg/L and 0.026 mg/L of these heavy metals, respectively, were found. Sprite, Mountain Dew and 7Up also yielded similar results.
The report pointed out leaching of these heavy metals "from the PET bottles in which the drinks were packaged" increased with rise in room temperature. According to World Health Organisation, lead and cadmium are of "major public health concern", having severe effects on children and adults, causing renal diseases and acting as carcinogens in humans.
According to The Indian Express, in 2015, Jagdish Prasad is believed to have asked the AIIH&PH to study leaching of toxins from PET bottles used for packaging pharmaceutical preparations, cold drinks, alcohol, juices and other beverages.
Later, the health ministry formed another committee under MK Bhan, former secretary, department of biotechnology, which concluded there was no clear proof of PET bottles contaminating medicines inside them. The committee, however, admitted there were no standards for safe plastic packaging in India, unlike some other countries.
PepsiCo India told The Indian Express it has not received any "intimation nor a copy of the cited test reports" It declined to comment on it without understanding the methodology used. It also reiterated that all its "products conform to Food Safety and Standards Regulations."
Coca Cola India declined to respond the newspaper, while queries sent to PET Container Manufacturers Association remained unanswered.
Coca Cola
Invention(01 of10)
Open Image ModalJohn Pemberton invented Coca Cola in 1886 at the Eagle Drug and Chemical Company in Columbus, Georgia.Pemberton was addicted to morphine used to treat a wound he suffered in the last battle of the American Civil War.He was experimenting with coca in an attempt to find a cure for his addiction. (credit:Alamy)
Logo(02 of10)
Open Image ModalThe distinctive Coca Cola logo was created by Pembroke's bookkeeper, Frank Mason Robinson in 1885.While it may look rather fancy and unique today, 'Spencarian Script' was the standard writing style during that period. (credit:Alamy)
Cocaine(03 of10)
Open Image ModalPemberton originally marketed the drink as having a number of medicinal benefits including curing headaches and impotence - most likely true owing to the quantities of cocaine used in the original recipe. (credit:Alamy)
Building Success(04 of10)
Open Image ModalPemberton died in 1888 without ever knowing realising the behemoth he had created.Asa Griggs Candler bought the rights, overcoming the challenge from John's alcoholic son, Charley.Charley died ten days after an opium overdose in 1894.By 1895 Chandler had ensured the drink was in demand across America. (credit:Alamy)
The Bottle(05 of10)
Open Image ModalDue to competition from a number of imitators, Cocoa Cola was bottled in its unique and now familiar 'hobble-skirt' design from 1915 to ensure drinkers knew they were getting the genuine article. (credit:Alamy)
The Nazis(06 of10)
Open Image ModalCoca Cola Deutschland continued to operate during WWII and some executives are alleged to have been members of the Nazi party.Wartime trade embargoes meant Cola syrup could not be imported into Germany.In response a drink was created that could be produced with what was available - and 'Fanta' was born! (credit:Alamy)
Cultural Influence(07 of10)
Open Image ModalPerhaps the biggest indicator of Coca Cola's influence on modern culture is it's role in shaping the image of Santa Claus.Coke's Christmas advertising began on the 1920s. Prior to this there was no standard - he could be depicted as tall and gaunt or as a spooky elf.It was only when illustrator Haddon Sundblom was commissioned to draw Coke adverts that the image of a fat jolly St Nick became universal.He was based on Sundbolm's friend, Lou Prentiss. (credit:Alamy)
The Disaster(08 of10)
Open Image ModalDespite being the world's most popular soft drink, in 1985 Coca Cola decided to change the recipe.'New Coke' was launched on April 23, 1985.It was a catastrophe and a huge public outcry forced the return of 'Classic Coke' less than three month later. (credit:Coca Cola Company)
Moderation(09 of10)
Open Image ModalLike all things with a high sugar and caffiene content, Coke is best enjoyed in moderation.Earlier this year the inquest into a woman died of a heart attack found the 10 litres of the stuff she drank every day was a significant factor in her death. (credit:Alamy)
How Big Is It?(10 of10)
Open Image ModalIt's sold in more than 200 countries.1.7 billion servings are drunk every day.94% of the world's population recognise the Coca Cola logo. (credit:Alamy)