Coca-Cola and Pepsi are changing how they make an ingredient in their drinks to avoid being legally obliged to put a cancer warning label on the bottle.
The new recipe for caramel colouring in the drinks has less 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) - a chemical which California has added to its list of carcinogens.
The change to the recipe has already been introduced in California but will be rolled out across the US.
Coca-Cola says there is no health risk to justify the change.
Backgrounder (California) on 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI)
Backgrounder on the different production processes of caramel
Pepsi, Coca-Cola change caramel colouring affected by Proposition 65
Like to receive news like this by email? Join and Subscribe!
Get the latest potato industry news straight to your WhatsApp. Join the PotatoPro WhatsApp Community!
Related News
May 24, 2026
PepsiCo to invest USD 665 million in India foods manufacturing by 2030
PepsiCo plans to invest up to Rs 5,700 crore (USD 665 million) in India by 2030, mainly to expand the manufacturing capacity of its foods business. The investment will focus primarily on three manufacturing facilities located in Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Tamil Nadu.
May 14, 2026
Pringles introduces Hawaiian Barbecue and BBQ Ribs flavors for summer 2026
Pringles continues expanding its potato chip lineup with a wide range of savory, spicy, salty and seasonal flavors designed to appeal to snack fans across different tastes and occasions worldwide.
May 12, 2026
Calbee temporarily changes potato chip packaging due to supply chain disruptions linked to Iran tensions
Japanese snack manufacturer Calbee will temporarily switch selected potato chip packaging to grayscale due to supply chain disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
