Returned products were samples: Coca-Cola

The two batches of beverages imported by Coca-Cola in China that were disposed or returned by Chinese quality authorities in November were only samples, and they had nothing to do with its products sold in China, Coca-Cola Greater China said on Wednesday.

"The beverages were very small in amount and were intended to be used only for experiments and research and development of new products," said Kathy Wang, a spokeswoman for Coca-Cola Greater China.

Five kg of condensed fruit and vegetable juice imported by the company from the US were found with citric acid - a violation of regulations - and disposed by the quality supervision and inspection authorities in November, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. 

Another 14 kg of tea beverages imported by the company from Taiwan was returned for lack of certificates, according to the administration.

None of the products entered domestic market, the administration said.