Remember last year when a report connected an ingredient in cola dye to cancer? Well, now there's a new study out stating that there are still carcinogens in your soda. According to Consumer Reports, samples of Pepsi, Pepsi One, and Diet Pepsi (purchased in California and New York) that were collected last year had inconsistent levels of 4-methylimidazole, a chemical used in cola caramel coloring that was was deemed "possibly carcinogenic to humans" in 2011 by a study performed by the federal government.
California's Proposition 65 requires a special label if products contain more than 29 micrograms of 4-Mel per a day's worth of consumption. Certain cans of Pepsi used in the Consumer Reports study reportedly had just over the limit. Pepsi purchased in New York in 2013 between the months of April and September was found to contain 174.4 micrograms of 4-meth. Diet Pepsi had similar results, with some cans testing just over 29 micrograms, while one batch from New York in the same time frame tested way over. Pepsi One tested over the limit on all occasions.
Grub Street reports that the Food and Drug Administration will look into the safety of caramel coloring again after the alarming results of the Consumer Reports study. However, PepsiCo was quick to condemn the report altogether. "We believe their conclusion is factually incorrect and reflects a serious misunderstanding of Prop. 65's requirements," PepsiCo wrote in a statement. Additionally the company says it's planning to reduce the amount of 4-Mel in beverages next month.
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