Coca-cola and Pepsi change recipe over cancer warning

Coca-Cola and Pepsi are changing the way they make their famous products in America to avoid having to add a cancer warning.

Both companies are asking the suppliers of their caramel coloring to alter the manufacturing process to meet regulations which limit people's exposure to certain chemicals.

• The change is meant to reduce the amount of a chemical called 4-methylimidazole
• It was added to the list of chemicals covered by California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986
• Very high levels of the chemical have been linked to cancer in animals

Michael Jacobson, Executive Director of the Centre for Science in the Public Interest

The US Food and Drug Administration reassured consumers about the safety of the drinks.

It said a person would have to drink over a thousand cans a day to reach the sort of levels that were found to show links to cancer in rodents.

Consumers will notice no difference in our products and have no reason at all for any health concerns.

The drink will stay the same in Britain as it meets European safety rules.