Caramel colouring in soda could increase cancer risk, says study

A new study has found that ingredients used to manufacture cola contain high levels of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), which can cause cancer.

The harmful ingredient is normally found in the artificial caramel colouring that gives the soda its colour.

Published in PLOS ONE, the study had been carried out by research scientists at consumer reports who worked in association with Center for a Livable Future at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

In the US, the average soda consumption is said to range between 12oz to almost two and a half cans of soda daily and those between 16 and 44 years old form the biggest consumers of it.

It also found that children between three to five years old consume soft drinks averaging around two thirds of a can.

Medical Daily quoted senior study author Keeve Nachman, from Johns Hopkins Center for a Liveable Future (CLF), as saying: "Soft drink consumers are being exposed to an avoidable and unnecessary cancer risk from an ingredient that is being added to these beverages simply for aesthetic purposes."

The study has analysed consumption of various sodas types and put them under five broad categories, which are cola, diet-cola, root beer, pepper cola and other (non-diet) cola.

Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability executive director Urvashi Rangan said: "This new analysis underscores our belief that people consume significant amounts of soda that unnecessarily elevate their risk of cancer over the course of a lifetime.

"We believe beverage makers and the government should take the steps needed to protect public health. California has already taken an important step by setting a threshold for prompting Prop 65 labeling based on daily 4-Mel exposure from a food or beverage, such as a soda."

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Image: The study has revealed that 4-MEI used for colouring soda can lead to cancer. Photo: courtesy of tiverylucky / freedigitalphotos.net.