(ECNS) -- Nine batches of Coca-Cola products imported from the United States were returned because of an excess in the food preservative benzoic acid, according to a blacklist released by China's quality watchdog, Beijing Business Today reports.
The nine blacklisted drinks are Sunkist brand strawberry, orange, and grape flavored soda water, Crush brand cherry, grape, strawberry and orange flavored soda water, and A&W brand cream soda water root beer.
The products were all imported by Shenzhen Lanka Industrial Co from Coca-Cola, the paper said. However, Coca-Cola said it knew no details as it was down to importer conduct, it was added.
The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine recently published its June blacklist of imported food and cosmetic products that failed to comply with import rules such as excess use of food additives as well as mismatched products and certificates. A total of 26 batches of drinks were included on the list.
In May, two shipments of imported Coca-Cola soft drinks were also blacklisted for excess use of benzoic acid, which could cause gastrointestinal disorders and an imbalance of pH in the blood.
