Caramel coloring produced using ammonia and sulfites , like in Pepsi and Coke, produce 2-methylimidazole (2-MI) and 4-methylimidazole (4-MI). Both, 2-MI and 4-MI are implicated in promoting cancer in lungs, liver, and thyroid of lab rats and mice, including hypertrophy of the pituitary gland.

Source: http://www.mmshealthyforlife.com/?tag=thyroid-cancer


A study here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2366200/


Uses big doses per kilogram of body weight, but the doses recommended max per day of 4-MI is 16 mcg for humans in California. 12 ounces of soda provides well over 100 mcg of 4-MI. Did I not mention all other foods that people eat that use the caramel food coloring as a bonus to that total? It's the ammonia and sulfite produced caramel coloring only that is implicated. I'm quite aware of the other nasties in soda, especially mercury contamination.