American Beverage Association on CSPI ‘Scare Tactics’
March 5/Washington/PRNewswire -- In response to a release issued by the Center for Science in the Public Interest regarding the safety of 4-MEI, which forms in foods such as caramel (which adds color and flavor to many foods and beverages) during the heating, roasting or cooking process, the American Beverage Association issued a retort.
"This is nothing more than CSPI scare tactics, and their claims are outrageous. The science simply does not show that 4-MEI in foods or beverages is a threat to human health. In fact, findings of regulatory agencies worldwide, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European Food Safety Authority and Health Canada, consider caramel coloring safe for use in foods and beverages. CSPI fraudulently claims to be operating in the interest of the public's health when it is clear its only motivation is to scare the American people."