BREAKING NEWS

Venezuela calls Coca-Cola Zero harmful, bans sale

Venezuela's health ministry banned the sale of Coca-Cola Zero, claiming the no-calorie soft drink contains harmful ingredients. Health Minister Jesus Mantilla said that the ban was aimed at "preserving the health of Venezuelans," but he did not specify what ingredients were purportedly harmful. Mantilla told the state-run news agency Wednesday that the ban was effective immediately. Representatives of the Coca-Cola bottler in Venezuela, Coca-Cola FEMSA de Venezuela SA, could not be reached for comment.