Coca-Cola not to phase out controversial additive Down Under

Coca-Cola Australia has ruled out its plans to remove the controversial additive found in Diet Coke in the country, which has been linked to DNA damage and hyperactivity in children.

Melbourne, May 27 : Coca-Cola Australia has ruled out its plans to remove the controversial additive found in Diet Coke in the country, which has been linked to DNA damage and hyperactivity in children.

The addictive known as sodium benzoate has been linked to damage to DNA and hyperactivity in children, and is used as a preservative in Diet Coke in Australia. It is used to stop fizzy drinks going mouldy.

Coca-Cola in Britain had started withdrawing additive from Diet Coke in January following the protests and demand for more natural products.

Sodium Benzoate is naturally found in some fruits, including bananas and is used in huge amounts in the soft drink industry.

According to News.com.au, in a statement released recently Coca-Cola had revealed that they had no plans to change the formulation of the drink in Australia.

"The use of food additives is strictly regulated under Australian law," it stated.

"All of the ingredients used in products of The Coca-Cola Company are safe and approved for use by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand," said the statement.

ANI