Soft drink giant Coca-Cola is phasing out a controversial additive that has been linked to hyperactivity and causing damage to DNA.
The chemical Sodium Benzoate, also known as E211, is used to stop fizzy drinks going mouldy.
But recent research has shown that the chemical can deactivate parts of DNA, the genetic code in the cells of living creatures.
Peter Piper, a professor of molecular biology research at Sheffield University found that the additive could switch off vital parts of DNA that could be linked to cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease.
He has also called for further research into the chemical.
In combination with vitamin C (CORR) sodium benzoate can form a potentially cancer-causing substance, benzene.
The move will mean that by the end of the year no can will contain E211 - and it plans to remove it from its other products as soon as possible.
Coca-Cola said it had begun removing sodium benzoate from Diet Coke production in January.
A company spokesperson said: 'We are continuously looking at emerging trends and listening to our consumers thoughts about ingredients.
The company stressed that E211 was an approved additive by many worldwide bodies including the European Food Standards Agency.
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