Coca-Cola said its business in China will not be affected by the ban on sales of Coca-Cola Zero in Venezuela.

"The Coca-Cola Co is absolutely confident that all of its products, including Coca-Cola Zero, are safe and the ingredients meet China's quality standards and comply with local regulations," it said in an e-mailed statement yesterday.

"We continue to work with health officials in Venezuela to address the concerns they have expressed about the reported detection of sodium cyclamate in Coca-Cola Zero. While it should be noted that cyclamate is a safe, low-calorie sweetener ... it is not the sweetener used in Coca-Cola Zero in Venezuela."

(Shanghai Daily June 17, 2009)