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Pesticide residues within EU limits, says Coke

Special Correspondent

"Working to finalise criteria"

New Delhi: Coca Cola India on Friday declared that "all tests" showed pesticide residues in their soft drinks are below the criteria laid down by the European Union (EU).

The multinational company's response to allegations made by the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) that the level of pesticide residues is extremely high, comes a day after industry chambers expressed concern over the ban on colas imposed by several State governments.

The Kerala Government issued the formal notification banning production and sale of colas on Friday while Karnataka, Rajasthan and Punjab had already banned sale of these products in government agencies and educational institutions.

Leading industry chambers such as FICCI and the CII have described these decisions as arbitrary and maintain they could affect the investment climate in the country.

Coca Cola said that it measures its soft drinks against the EU criteria for pesticide residues in bottled water, "globally accepted as one of the most stringent in the world." It goes on to state that its soft drinks have been regularly tested and evaluated by a world-renowned U.K. Government laboratory, the Central Science Laboratories (CSL).

"All tests show our soft drinks are below the EU criteria for pesticide residues in bottled water," it says.

The company also says it supports the Government's move to adopt "clear criteria" for pesticides residues in soft drinks which are based on scientifically validated testing methods.

"We are already working with relevant government bodies in India to develop and finalise the criteria along with their associated testing protocols for pesticide residues in soft drinks", it says.

The giant beverage producer says that its Indian subsidiary, Coca Cola India has the same uncompromising commitment to product safety and quality that are offered around the world. Coca Cola India has stringent standards for all of the ingredients used in its beverages, it maintains.

"These standards are backed by analytical testing protcols for these ingredients and we regularly audit all plants for compliance", the release says.

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