FDA: Diet Coke Plus violates rules

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Coca-Cola Co.'s claims that Diet Coke Plus contains vitamins and minerals violate US regulations, the Food and Drug Administration said in a letter to the world's largest soft-drink maker.

Coca-Cola, based in Atlanta, should "take prompt action to correct these violations," according to the letter posted yesterday on the FDA's website. The company disagreed with the finding.

The product is misbranded because it includes the content claim "plus" and "doesn't comply with the regulations governing the use of this claim," according to the Dec. 10 letter, signed by Roberta Wagner, director of the office of compliance at the Center of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

Diet Coke Plus contains vitamins and minerals, including 10 percent of the recommended daily value for magnesium and 15 percent for vitamin B12.

"The FDA does not consider it appropriate to fortify snack foods such as carbonated beverages," the agency said.

Coca-Cola "believes the label on Diet Coke Plus complies with FDA policies and regulations," Scott Williamson, a spokesman for the company's North American unit, said yesterday in an e-mail.

The company plans a detailed reply to the agency in early January, he said.

The stock fell 69 cents to $43.97 on the New York Stock Exchange composite trading.