Know what you are consuming

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned Coca-Cola Co. that the label on its Diet Coke Plus beverage makes improper claims about nutritional content and should be revised. The Diet Coke Plus label says the drink contains vitamins and minerals.

The FDA says Diet Coke Plus does not carry the minimum amount of nutrients required by FDA standards to qualify for the descriptive word “plus.”

The FDA rule states only foods that contain at least 10% additional content higher than the reference daily intake of a nutrient compared with a similar product are allowed to use the term “plus.” The FDA also cited its longstanding rule that states the agency believes it is inappropriate to fortify snack foods (which includes carbonated beverages like Diet Coke Plus).

The FDA warning to Coca-Cola is an indication of the agency’s new-found resolve to be more aggressive in policing the expanded claims of many products about benefits they can provide to consumers.

There is a growing number of beverages which claim to enhance their formulations with nutrients, ranging from bottled water to energy drinks.

There have been previous introductions of soft drink products with added nutrients. Four years ago, Cadbury PLC offered a 7UP version that featured calcium, fruit juice and vitamin C. Currently, PepsiCo Inc. markets Diet Pepsi Max, which contains ginseng.

The Diet Coke Plus is presented as a calorie-free soft drink and, in a company press release, is described as “a good source of vitamins B3 (niacin), B6 and B12 and the minerals zinc and magnesium.”

The FDA warning notes that the nutrient content as indicated in the product label does not provide the required additional amounts.

The FDA says there are trace amounts of vitamin B, zinc and magnesium in the drink but only in such small amounts that do not justify making the claim.

Violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act can result in hefty fines and product seizures. However, most incidents like this are resolved without further issues.

Coca-Cola spokesmen said the company is taking seriously the issues in the FDA warning. They also noted that the warning does not involve issues of health or safety. They also insist that the Diet Coke Plus label is in compliance with the policies and rules of the FDA.

Safety Tip:

* Take a soft drink if you’re thirsty.

* Take vitamin supplements if you need vitamins. Do not expect to get your daily vitamin and mineral requirements from soft drinks and snack foods.