coke kills?

Well, not directly...but possibly indirectly. Let me explain. According to an article found in The Advertiser, that signature dark caramel color that we know and love found in Pepsi and other similar drinks may be a carcinogen. This dark color is made by reacting sugars with ammonias and sulphites under high pressures and temperatures. How do they know that it causes cancer?

America's National Toxicology Program conducted an experiment where they found that certain chemicals in this artificial coloring, specifically 2-MI and 4-MI causes lung, liver, or thyroid cancer, or leukemia in lab rats and mice. Because these chemicals proved to be carcinogens in animals, it is also very likely that they may pose a risk to humans.

The executive director of the CSPI, Michael F Jacobson, is quoted as saying,``Carcinogenic colourings have no place in the food supply, especially considering that their only function is a cosmetic one.'' Is it worth the risk of perpetuating the cancer crisis just to keep our drinks a caramel color? While regular caramel isn't necessarily healthy, there have not yet been any findings linking it to cancer. Is knowing that something is a carcinogen enough to completely give it up? Is testing on animals sufficient evidence to persuade you of it's influence on humans?

Title of Publication: The Advertiser

Article Title: Move to Ban 'Cancer Risk' Colouring in Colas

By Sean Poulter