The nonprofit organization Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) announced in March 2012 that a new chemical analysis of the caramel coloring used in colas, including Coke and Pepsi products, has been shown to cause cancer in animals. This carcinogenic substance is called 4-methylimidazole (4-MI), and is a byproduct of the ammonia used during the manufacturing process.
“When most people see ‘caramel coloring’ on food labels, they likely interpret that quite literally and assume the ingredient is similar to what you might get by gently melting sugar in a saucepan,” says Michael F. Jackson, executive director of CSPI. “Colorings made with the ammonia or ammonia-sulfite process contain carcinogens and don’t belong in the food supply. In any event, they shouldn’t be obscured by such an innocuous-sounding name as ‘caramel coloring.’”
“When most people see ‘caramel coloring’ on food labels, they likely interpret that quite literally and assume the ingredient is similar to what you might get by gently melting sugar in a saucepan,” says Michael F. Jackson, executive director of CSPI. “Colorings made with the ammonia or ammonia-sulfite process contain carcinogens and don’t belong in the food supply. In any event, they shouldn’t be obscured by such an innocuous-sounding name as ‘caramel coloring.’”
In California, a food or beverage that contains more than 29 mcg of 4-MI must come with a warning notice. Products from Washington, D.C.-area stores that CSPI tested contained anywhere from 113 to 153 mcg, depending on the soda. CSPI reports that Pepsi products contained 145 to 153 mcg per 12 ounces. One sample of Coke contained 142 mcg per 12 ounces, while another had 146 mcg.
According to a CSPI press release, “Based on California’s risk model, CSPI estimates that the 4-MI in the Coke and Pepsi products tested is causing about 15,000 cancers in the U.S. population.” Pepsi told CSPI that it uses a different coloring, which contains less 4-MI, in its soda sold in California.
Because the recently released tests were done on animals, there is some question as to how much a person needs to consume to put himself at risk of developing cancer. Regardless, CSPI believes this is such a threat to human health that in February 2011 it filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging it to prohibit the use of 4-MI.
In addition to 4-MI, CSPI reports that the high-fructose corn syrup used to sweeten soft drinks is even more troubling because it has been linked to obesity, diabetes and other health problems.
Caramel coloring is actually a mix of sugars, ammonia, and, in some cases, sulfite. When heated at high temperatures, this combination turns into 2-methylimidazole (2-MEI) and 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) – proven cancer inducers.
Because the recently released tests were done on animals, there is some question as to how much a person needs to consume to put himself at risk of developing cancer. Regardless, CSPI believes this is such a threat to human health that in February 2011 it filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging it to prohibit the use of 4-MI.
In addition to 4-MI, CSPI reports that the high-fructose corn syrup used to sweeten soft drinks is even more troubling because it has been linked to obesity, diabetes and other health problems.
Caramel coloring is actually a mix of sugars, ammonia, and, in some cases, sulfite. When heated at high temperatures, this combination turns into 2-methylimidazole (2-MEI) and 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) – proven cancer inducers.
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The National Toxicology Program (NTP) is a division of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Researchers there ran two government studies. They found that the coloring caused cancer in lab mice and rats.
In the NTP studies, mice and rats were fed the additives. They were then observed over a two-year period. Researchers found that 4-MEI caused lung tumors. And 2-MEI was associated with liver and thyroid tumors. Rats didn’t fare any better. They had higher rates of leukemia and thyroid tumors. Researchers also witnessed abnormal behaviors like hyperactivity, excitability, and difficulty walking in female rats. |
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Regulators divide caramel colorings into four categories. Caramel I and II are not made with ammonia. They are used in some alcoholic drinks and vegetable extracts. They are safer than Caramel III and IV, which contain 2-MEI and 4-MEI.
Caramel III is often used in baking, beer, soy sauce, gravy, and other products. Caramel IV is the one found in colas. It’s also considered the most toxic.
Caramel III is often used in baking, beer, soy sauce, gravy, and other products. Caramel IV is the one found in colas. It’s also considered the most toxic.
