Taking the fizz out of Coke ad claims

[Guest guest]

Coke was meant to be a treat, not a daily staple. If you drink a small glass or even a can a day, its not going to hurt you, unless you are diabetic or have some other pre-existing condition. But if you brush your teeth and otherwise look after your health, it shouldn't be an issue.

In a message dated 4/2/2009 8:28:29 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, no_reply writes:

Taking the fizz out of Coke ad claims Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or less.

[Guest guest]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090402/odds/odd_us_coke_odd

Taking the fizz out of Coke ad claims

Thu Apr 2, 10:55 AM

By Rob

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Claims Coke will not make children fat or rot their teeth

have landed Coca-Cola in trouble with Australia's consumer watchdog, which

Thursday ordered the soft drink company to correct its advertising.

Coca-Cola South Pacific (CCSP) last year ran advertising titled " Motherhood &

Myth-Busting, " featuring popular Australian actress Kerry Armstrong and claiming

Coke was " kiddy-safe. "

As well as claiming Coke did not make children fat or harm their teeth, the

full-page print ads sought to combat public perceptions that Coke was packed

with large amounts of caffeine.

" Now that I've found out what's myth and what isn't, it's good to know that our

family can continue to enjoy one of our favorite drinks, " Armstrong said in the

advertisements. " My boys now call me Mum, the Myth Buster! " she said.

The company also said in the ads it was time " to state the facts and to help you

understand the truth behind Coca-Cola. "

But the powerful Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Thursday ordered

CCSP to correct its claims.

" Coke's messages were totally unacceptable, creating an impression which is

likely to mislead that Coca-Cola cannot contribute to weight gain, obesity and

tooth decay, " ACCC Chairman Graeme said in a statement.

" They also had the potential to mislead parents about the potential consequences

of consuming Coca-Cola, " he said.

CCSP had agreed to publish corrective advertisements in major newspapers in

every major Australian city, as well as on the company's own website,

said.

The company was also ordered to include the correct levels of caffeine for

Coca-Cola, Diet Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero after the ads claimed the soft

drink contained the same amount of caffeine as tea brewed from leaves or bags,

or as instant coffee.

(Editing by Lee)