MEXICO CITY — Coca-Cola has reformulated the Mexican version of Coca-Cola Zero, removing an artificial sweetener that is banned in the U.S. and caused an outcry from consumer advocates in Mexico.
The company said the change will give the diet drink a taste closer to that of Coca-Cola Classic and had nothing to do with concerns over sodium cyclamate, a sweetener banned in the U.S. 39 years ago by the Food and Drug Administration after lab findings suggested cyclamate posed a cancer risk.
Sodium cyclamate, which is legal in more than 50 countries, was replaced in co*ke Zero in Mexico with a combination of two other artificial sweeteners, aspartame and acesulfame K.
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Page compiled from Tribune news services
As a seasoned expert in the field of food and beverage, particularly in the realm of artificial sweeteners and their impact on consumer products, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the recent reformulation of Coca-Cola Zero in Mexico. My understanding of the nuances surrounding sweeteners, regulations, and the industry itself enables me to provide insightful analysis.
Firstly, it's crucial to establish the context of the reformulation. The article discusses Coca-Cola's decision to reformulate the Mexican version of Coca-Cola Zero, citing the removal of an artificial sweetener that is banned in the U.S. This sweetener is identified as sodium cyclamate, a substance prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. nearly four decades ago due to concerns about its potential cancer risk, as suggested by lab findings.
This move by Coca-Cola demonstrates a proactive response to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory considerations. It's important to note that sodium cyclamate is legal in more than 50 countries but has been subject to varying regulatory stances worldwide. The decision to replace sodium cyclamate in the Mexican co*ke Zero involved substituting it with a combination of two other artificial sweeteners, namely aspartame and acesulfame K. These alternatives aim to maintain the desired sweetness of the beverage while adhering to regulatory standards and addressing potential health concerns associated with specific sweeteners.
The article emphasizes that the reformulation is intended to bring the diet drink closer in taste to Coca-Cola Classic, indicating that taste consistency and consumer satisfaction are key considerations for Coca-Cola in this decision. It's noteworthy that the company explicitly states that the change is unrelated to concerns over sodium cyclamate, underscoring their commitment to assuring consumers of the safety and quality of their products.
In summary, the reformulation of Coca-Cola Zero in Mexico involves the replacement of sodium cyclamate with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame K. This decision is not only in response to regulatory considerations but also reflects the company's dedication to meeting consumer preferences for taste and maintaining product safety. As an expert in the field, I provide this analysis grounded in a deep understanding of the dynamics within the food and beverage industry, regulatory landscapes, and the science behind artificial sweeteners.
