Venezuela bans 'harmful' Coca-Cola Zero

Venezuela’s health ministry has banned the sale of Coca-Cola Zero, claiming the no-calorie soft drink contains harmful ingredients.

Health minister Jesus Mantilla says the ban is aimed at “preserving the health of Venezuelans”, but did not specify what ingredients were purportedly harmful.

Mr Mantilla said the ban was effective immediately.

Representatives of the Coca-Cola bottler in Venezuela, Coca-Cola FEMSA de Venezuela, could not be reached for comment.