Call our old president the devil, call our nation warmongers, foist your book off on our new president, but … you do not diss our soft drinks!
Venezuela bans Coke Zero, cites danger to health | U.S. | Reuters
CARACAS (Reuters) – The Venezuelan government of U.S.-critic President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday ordered Coca-Cola Co to withdraw its Coke Zero beverage from the South American nation, citing unspecified dangers to health.
The decision follows a wave of nationalizations and increased scrutiny of businesses in South America’s top oil exporter.
Health Minister Jesus Mantilla said the zero-calorie Coke Zero should no longer be sold and stocks of the drink removed from store shelves.
“The product should be withdrawn from circulation to preserve the health of Venezuelans,” the minister said in comments reported by the government’s news agency.
[…] Mantilla did not say what health risks Coke Zero, which contains artificial sweeteners, posed to the population.
No! Not my beloved Coke Zero! See if I ever visit your fleabitten country, buster!
Updated stories here are focusing on “an ingredient.” The speculation is that it is the artificial sweetener used. In the US it’s Aspartame (which some folks say is dangerous), but I’ve also read that the version sold in Venezuela used Cyclamates, which were banned in the US in the 70s (though their risk was disputed then and now).