Coke defends itself in the Pesticide Allegation

Pesticides in bottles created waves a few weeks back. However, on Friday, Coke defended itself by showing the laboratory reports. Tests showed that the company's soft drinks manufactured in India met European Union purity standards for pesticides in bottled water.

Coca-Cola India therefore opposed all the allegations imposed on them by saying that the tests reveal that their beverages were safe.

The tests were held by the UK's Central Science Laboratories which revealed that less than 0.1 part per billion of any pesticide was found in the Coca Cola beverages.

Kenth Kaerhoeg, Coca-Cola Asia group communications director, said that people should drink the beverages without any second thought as the Coke available in India is as clean as the Coke available outside India.

Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been under fire since last week when the privately-funded Centre for Science and Environment said 11 drinks sold by the two US companies contained unacceptable pesticide levels.

Six weeks were given to both the companies to disclose the ingredients of their respective beverages by the Supreme Court.

Coca- Cola defended itself on Friday by revealing the reports and lab tests. Pepsi is planning to move to the Kerala High Court next week against the LDF government’s decision to ban manufacturing, distribution and sale of its products in the state on allegations of high pesticide content.

Some states have stopped the sale of these drinks in schools and other institutions, while Kerala has completely banned the usage of the drinks.

In contrast to the statements given by Coca-Cola, the Centre for Science and Environment reacted to the clarifications given by Coca-Cola and said that the company had failed to disclose any test results to prove the safety of its products.