"Days after environmental watchdog group Center for Environmental Health cried foul on the levels of a controversial caramel coloring in Pepsi, soda giant PepsiCo announced its intention to phase out the ingredient nationwide by February 2014."

"Pepsi had previously removed the ingredient 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MEI, from Pepsi beverages in California. Last year, the state ruled the ingredient a carcinogen and required companies that use it either to change their products' recipes or clearly label them as containing 4-MEI.

Coca-Cola, which also once used the ingredient, has already changed its formula nationwide."

Rachel Tepper reports for the Huffington Post July 11, 2013. [2]