Tests in India that found soft drinks contaminated with pesticides are "doubtful," warns a lab affiliated to the UK government, as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola face more bans and threats of legal action across Indian states.

Central Science Laboratory (CSL), a UK government executive agency, criticised the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, study that found 57 Pepsi and Coke samples in India containing between three and five different pesticides.

CSL, which has tested drinks for Coca-Cola, said in a letter seen by BeverageDaily.com: "There is no evidence in the report that, even if the pesticides were present, the levels were measured with any accuracy. . the report does not provide unequivocal confirmation of identity of the pesticide residues claimed to be found."

CSE said its Indian lab had the international quality standard ISO 9001:2000 and that it used state-of-the-art GC-MS testing equipment. The Indian government is reportedly conducting its own tests in order to confirm the CSE findings.

India's Supreme Court, meanwhile, has demanded to see a complete ingredients list for the affected Coca-Cola and PepsiCo drinks. The move could force Coke to reveal its legendary secret ingredient, although the company is likely to fight hard to avoid that.

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