US regulators dispute finding of cancer-causing soda

US regulators dispute finding of cancer-causing soda
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/06/us-soda-fda-idUSTRE82501J20120306

"The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) said it found unsafe levels of a chemical used to make caramel color in cans of Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc's Dr. Pepper, and Whole Foods' 365 Cola.

The group asked the Food and Drug Administration to ban caramel coloring agents that contain the chemical known as 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MI. This follows a similar plea last year.

"Coke and Pepsi, with the acquiescence of the FDA, are needlessly exposing millions of Americans to a chemical that causes cancer," said CSPI executive director Michael Jacobson.

The FDA said it was reviewing the group's petition, but the drinks were still safe."