Korea Times, News Report, Posted: Aug 10, 2012

A consumer group claims that Coca-Cola produced in South Korea has 24 times the amount of a harmful substance than that manufactured in the United States.

Consumers Korea released a statement Friday citing a report made by the U.S.-based Center for Science in the Public Interest, that Coke made in Korea had 96 micrograms (ug) of the chemical 4 methylimidizole (4-MI), far exceeding amounts in the soda produced in China at 56 ug, and Japan, 72 ug.

Products bottled in California had 4 ug which means that the content of 4-MI Korean-made coke was 24 times that of the soda made in California.

The substance 4-MI is recognized as a potential cancer-causing chemical and is formed when ammoniated caramel coloring is industrially produced.

“The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA)’s report that the level of 4-MI contained in domestically produced coke is low is misleading to consumers because it is far above the level contained in coke produced in the country of origin,” said Kim Jai-ok, president of Consumers Korea.

“It is disappointing to see the government announcing that cokes is safe when they should be planning policies to reduce consumers exposure to carcinogens.”

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