(Ecns.cn)--A batch of Coca-Cola Zero syrup exported from Shanghai to Taiwan has been found containing an additive banned by Taiwanese authorities, but permitted on the Chinese mainland.
The syrup tested positive for methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben), a kind of preservative not allowed in carbonated beverages in Taiwan, Nanfang Daily reported Monday.
Each kilogram of the syrup tested contained 2,062 milligrams of the banned substance, according to the health department of Taiwan.
The syrup is used in drink dispensing machines such as those in fast-food chains, but is not used in bottled or canned beverages.
Nanfang Daily quoted an anonymous expert as saying that excessive intake of methylparaben may cause upset stomach, chafing and a rise in female hormone levels.
Coca-Cola said in a statement that the antiseptic is permitted by food-related laws in many countries and regions, including the US and Hong Kong. Its Taiwan branch claimed that the batch was sent to Taiwan by accident.
However, the concentration of 2,026 milligrams per kilogram is also considered excessive by food safety regulations on the Chinese mainland.
Zhai Mei, a Coca-Cola official, said the sample tested in Taiwan was concentrated, but would be diluted before sale. The percentage of the preservative will be much lower after dilution – 0.015 of a milligram per kilogram, Zhai added.
Sweet, but controversial
This is not the first time for Coca-Cola Zero to cause a stir over food safety. According to a report in the Beijing News, Venezuela had banned the beverage from sale in 2009 because it contained sodium cyclamate, an artificial sweetener, which is also allowed on the Chinese mainland.
Coca-Cola later claimed that it was not cyclamate but aspartame, a sweetener used to replace sugar in many drinks and food products. An official with the Ministry of Health said aspartame was safe according to Chinese food safety regulations.
Coca-Cola said Sunday that its products on the Chinese mainland are completely safe to drink.
According to Zhai, Coca-Cola maintains high quality standards and the products are safe "for consumption on the Chinese mainland."
Methylparaben is mainly used in the original liquid of Coke Zero for "post-mix" drinks that are often sold in fast food restaurants like McDonald's. Coke Zero packaged products, including cans and plastic bottles, do not contain the preservative, Zhai said.
Meanwhile, two other kinds of preservatives, benzoic acid and hexadienic acid, were also detected in excessive amounts in the sample of Coke products.
