Coca-Cola ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is the world's best-selling beverage, but its US formulation differs from versions sold in Europe, Mexico, and other markets. The most notable differences involve the sweetener (HFCS vs. cane sugar) and the type of caramel color used. Caramel Color IV (Class IV), used in US Coke, contains 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a byproduct classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B).

Common concerns with Coca-Cola products

{"ingredient_slug":"caramel-color-iv","ingredient_name":"Caramel Color Class IV","found_in_product":"Coca-Cola Classic (US)","concern":"Contains 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B). California's Prop 65 lists 4-MEI as a carcinogen."}; {"ingredient_slug":"high-fructose-corn-syrup","ingredient_name":"High-Fructose Corn Syrup","found_in_product":"Coca-Cola Classic (US)","concern":"Linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Most European and Mexican Coke uses cane sugar instead."}; {"ingredient_slug":"sodium-benzoate","ingredient_name":"Sodium Benzoate","found_in_product":"Diet Coke, some Coca-Cola variants","concern":"Can react with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to form benzene, a known carcinogen. The UK FSA recommended phaseout after McCann et al. 2007 study."}