Coca-cola trapped in "chlorine" scandal

Taiyuan (CNS) -- Some coke products that had been contaminated with chlorine made it to market as qualified products – an insider's report has trapped Coca-Cola Shanxi Beverage Co in a credibility crisis.

According to a report out of Hong Kong on April 5, an employee of the company forwarded an anonymous tip to local media that nine batches of beverage products worth five million yuan were accidentally infused with chlorine during a routine pipe maintenance procedure that took place from February 4 to 8.

China National Radio covered the scandal on the morning of April 17, and in the following days over one hundred websites posted this news in high profile slots. A large number of web users expressed their concern.

After an immediate sample check, the local quality control authorities in Shanxi Province issued two announcements on April 17 and 18, saying the products are qualified and of no harm to human health.

No official statement has been released by local authorities or the company about whether chlorine slipped into the beverage.

A source from the company said they received some calls from providers and consumers, but at present "there is no sign of slowing sales on the retail market."