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(AP) - ANOTHER LOOK: The Food and Drug Administration is conducting new studies of the safety of caramel coloring in soda and other foods, even though previous research has shown no identifiable health risk.
NEW DATA: The announcement follows a study by Consumer Reports that shows varying levels of 4-methylimidazole _ an impurity formed in some caramel coloring at low levels during the manufacturing process _ in soda from five manufacturers.
RECOMMENDATIONS: The Consumer Reports study urged the FDA to set a maximum level of the substance when it is artificially added to foods or soda, to require labeling when it is added and to bar products from carrying the "natural" label if they contain caramel colors.
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