Monday, 05 Jan, 2009 Health & Fitness

Scientists at the University of Jaen, in southern Spain, found that carbonated drinks, sold by the popular drinks company Coca-Cola, contain up to 300 times more pesticides than it is permitted in tap or bottled water. Researchers carried out a worldwide study to discover that the highest level of pesticides in orange and lemon drinks that are available under the Fanta brand was found in the UK.

Scientists instantly called on the Government, the industry and the Coca-Cola Company to take actions in order to eliminate the chemicals. However, the industry says that children are not at risk and that the amount of pesticides found in the drinks is not hazardous.

It is worth mentioning that in their study researchers analyzed 102 cans and bottles of soft drinks, which they purchased in 15 countries. They tested the drinks for the presence of 100 pesticides. In the UK soft drinks were acquired in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, St Andrews and at Gatwick Airport.

According to the experts, the amount of pesticides was extremely high and "up to 300 times" the level allowed for tap or bottled water. Experts identified such chemicals as: carbendazim, thiabendazole, imazalil, prochloraz, malathion and iprodione. These chemicals are usually used on fruits to halt the spread of fungal infections or rotting.

From a total of 19 soft drinks purchased in the UK and produced by Coca-Cola, scientists found that 2 orange drinks featured imazalil, the level of which was 300 times over the limit for one pesticide in drinking water. In addition, 2 similar drinks included thiabendazole, the level of which was 98 times over the allowed limit.

Despite the results of the study, Cocal-Cola GB stated that the company's products are safe. The spokesman for the company stated that all drinks produced by Coca-Cola meet the safety regulations associated with food products produced from agricultural ingredients, which comprise drinks with fruit juice as an ingredient.

"The generally miniscule levels that were detected were well within the acceptable daily intake levels and these findings should reassure consumers there is no safety issue here," the spokesman added.