Coca-Cola defends safety of its mainland products

SHANGHAI - The Coca-Cola products that tested positive for a banned preservative in Taiwan have been recalled, and the Coca-Cola Co said its products on the Chinese mainland are completely safe to drink.

Recent media reports that a batch of Coke Zero concentrate from Shanghai contained the banned preservative methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate sparked concern about the safety of beverages.

The batch of Coke Zero concentrate was made by Coca-Cola's Shanghai company. Media reports said the chemical may lead to inflammatory lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, and raise female hormone levels.