The Cola Between Prohibition and Incrimination

[prieti]

www.saudigazette.com
Friday, 25 August 2006
By Sahar Al-Ramlawi
Al-Riyadh

Al-RIYADH’S issue of last Sunday carried a news item, which is very disturbing. It said the major elements in the Pepsi and Coca-Cola drinks are taken from the intestines and blood of pigs.

This news cannot go unnoticed as these beverages have become an essential part of the daily diet of at least half of the population on this planet, a matter which is extremely regrettable.
We have read about the hazards of Pepsi and Coca-Cola, including tooth decay.

The beverage has acidic elements which have proved to help clean bathrooms. However, calls to boycott these beverages did not discourage the addicts of the fizzy drinks. If the news item is true, Muslims should not consume it.

Therefore, the news item should not go unnoticed as feedback is expected from the Ministries of Health and Commerce and all related authorities to confirm or deny the authenticity of the news.

Moreover, the news indicated that the main element in Pepsi and the Cola causes cancer of the stomach, colon, prostate, gall bladder, pancreas, mouth, kidney and bladder. Its consumption explains the rising incidence of cancer around the world.

Therefore, reputed laboratories in the Kingdom must confirm or dismiss the news.

The research work published by New Delhi scientists must be reviewed and backed by local studies.The matter is no joke as it directly involves our religion and health. And if indeed the news is true, importers of the raw substance used in manufacturing the Cola and Pepsi beverages must be held accountable for misleading the Muslim nation.

This process must be gone through with all integrity, placing the interests of the society before all else. Until such time as all of the above is done, I will not drink the Cola or allow it in my house.