With Troubles at Home, Coke and Pepsi Turn to Herb Formula in China

[jakeXT]

Coke, the world’s largest carbonate beverage producer, is facing troubles in many countries. In the beginning of June, Venezuela's Health Ministry suspended the sales of Coke Zero claiming the sweetener used in the drink is harmful to health. In January this year, traces of pesticide were found in Coke’s carbonated drinks in the UK. Earlier, in 2003, India claimed that a higher than allowed level of pesticide was found in both Coke and Pepsi, and some southern areas even banned the two companies’ products.

But there is also trouble in the US, home market to the two soft drink giants. Carbonated beverages are gradually losing favor among consumers. In fact, both companies lost have lost market share.

...

The US may be Coca Cola’s home, but it is also the first place to boycott the drink. In 2005, the Center for Science in the Public Interest released Liquid Candy: How Soft Drinks are Harming Americans' Health, in which the author, Michael F. Jacobson, explained in detail the relation between carbonated beverage and obesity and osteoporosis, as well as dental problems and kidney stones. The voice against carbonated beverage has been increasing since 1990s in the US.

...

Chinese consumers are paying increased attention to their health. The Ministry of Health says that from 2008, Coke will have to report the ingredients and calories of its beverage on the bottle.

To prosper, Coke and Pepsi must put more emphasis on non-carbonated and low-calorie beverage.
Pepsi is now promoting “Herb Joy” on the Chinese market, a new beverage made out of typical Chinese herbs such as jujube. Coke has begun to cooperate with the China Academy of Social Sciences to develop an herbal formula beverage.

...

http://www.chinastakes.com/2009/7/with-troubles-at-home-coke-and-pepsi-turn-to-herb-formula-in-china.html

I'm surprised the ingredients weren't reported earlier in China, and does anybody know which study Venezuela used to ban Coke Zero?

[Oregone]

1. Venezuela cited:

"The Concerns of Evil Capitalistic Coke: Undermining our Government with Chemical Mind Control", Chavez, H. et al
Published in the Comrades of Studies on Pepsi, Coke, and Orange Soda, January 2009.

[Robb]

3. LOL

Unfair, but funny enough to make me chuckle. :)

[Autumn]

2. I haven't bought coke or pepsi

in a about a year now. Don't miss them either.

[Cirque du So-What]

4. If Coke & Pepsi are doing this

it's likely that the smaller companies - including those which make generic sodas - are doing it as well.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to find food-like products free from Chinese adulteration. I'm about ready to take up a 'caveman's diet' or some variation that eschews processed foods of any sort. If it's got more than three ingredients, I'm gonna say, 'get it outta here!'

[rwheeler31]

6. How do you get rid of gas without carbonation?

[valerief]

5. People shouldn't drink that shit anyway. You want something sweet?

Squeeze a lemon and add sugar.