Coke backs govt for adoption of clear criteria

New Delhi, Aug 11: Coca-Cola India today said it supports the government's move of adoption of clear criteria for pesticide residues in soft drinks based on scientifically validated testing methods.

''We support the move by the Government to adopt clear criteria for pesticide residues in soft drinks, which are based on scientifically validated testing methods. We are already working with relevant government bodies in India to develop and finalise the criteria along with their associated testing protocols for pesticide residues in soft drinks,'' a statement issued by the company said.

Stating that the company has same uncompromising commitment to product safety and quality in beverages in India that it offers around the world, Coco-Cola India said it follows stringent standards for all of the ingredients used in the beverages.

These standards are backed by analytical testing protocols for these ingredients, and we regularly audit all plants for compliance, it said.

The company said it measures its soft drinks against the European Union (EU), globally accepted as one of the most stringent in the world, criteria for pesticide residues in bottled water.

''Our soft drinks have been regularly tested and evaluated by a world renowned UK Government Laboratory, the Central Science Laboratories (CSL). All tests show that our soft drinks are below the EU criteria for pesticide residues in bottled water,'' the statement said.

UNI

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