In order to improve the food safety of beverage products and maintain communication with enterprises, media and consumers in a timely manner, our association has always paid close attention to the relevant dynamics of "4 methylimidazole in caramel color". The caramel color contained in it does not cause cancer and is safe to drink. The specific instructions are as follows:
1. The caramel color is allowed to be used in beverages and other foods, whether foreign or domestic. In my country, caramel color is dually managed by GB2760 "National Food Safety Standard Food Additive Use Standard" and national standard GB8817 "Food Additive Caramel Color". In GB2760 "National Food Safety Standard Food Additive Use Standard", caramel color can be used in dozens of foods including beverages.
2. Due to different processes, a trace amount of 4-MEI may be produced in the caramel color production process. This ingredient is formed during the heating, baking and cooking of caramel and other foods. Worldwide, many foods and beverages containing caramel color may have trace amounts of 4-MEI.
3. International public health organizations, such as the European Food Safety Commission (EFSA) and Health Canada, have confirmed that the caramel color and the trace amount of 4-MEI contained are safe for beverages and foods including cola.
4. China Beverage Industry Association believes that beverage companies will actively introduce advanced domestic and foreign advanced products while strictly implementing GB2760 "National Food Safety Standard Food Additive Use Standards" and GB8817 "Food Additive Caramel Color" to ensure beverage quality compliance and consumption safety. Technology, improve technical level.
China Beverage Industry Association
August 9, 2013
