Nearly half of the leading soft drinks available in the market contain alcohol, according to a scientific research published in a French magazine.
Researchers from the National Institute of Consumption (INC) in Paris found top brands like Pepsi and Coca-Cola containing about 10 milligrams of alcohol in every liter. The findings are reported in the French Magazine 60 Million Consumers.
To trace the alcohol content in the soft drinks, researchers tested 19 colas and 10, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, Coca-Cola Classic Light and Coke Zero showed minute traces of alcohol. The alcohol-free brands are Auchan, Cora, Casino, Leader Price and Man U- Cola. The companies blamed the alcohol content on the ingredients and the process involved in the production.
"It is possible that traces of alcohol come from the process of making Coca Cola according to its secret recipe," Michel Pepin, scientific director for Coca-Cola France, told Daily Mail. "Furthermore, the Paris Mosque has provided us with a certificate stating that our products can be consumed by the Muslim community in line with the religious opinions of the Committee of the Mosque of Paris."
Teen consumers
In the United States, the findings bring concern as a majority of teens consume soft drinks regularly. Earlier studies have also warned children against consuming too much carbonated drinks.
Too many soft drinks may increase the chances of cardiac-related problems or high blood pressure in their later life. Researchers from the University of Sydney also noticed primary symptoms of damaged eyes in children aged 12, who consumed soft drinks every day. Another study says, teens who consume more than five cans of soda a week tend to be violent, leading them to carry a gun or a knife.
Consuming too much soft drinks will pave the way for health problems like obesity, diabetes, blood sugar, bone fractures, tooth decay, eating disorders and food addictions.
