Venezuela bans Coke Zero

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Here’s a reversal: A business opportunity has opened up for smugglers interested in getting Coke into a South American country.

But we’re not talking cocaine –- it’s Coke Zero that has been banned in Venezuela.

Perhaps chunky Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was jealous of trim folks who favored the no-calorie drink, rolled out in 2005 by Coca-Cola Co., and introduced in Venezuela in April. But the official reason, according to the Venezuelan government’s news agency, is that health minister Jesus Mantilla contends the beverage, known officially as Coca-Cola Zero, contains a harmful ingredient.

“The product should be withdrawn from circulation to preserve the health of Venezuelans,” Mantilla said Wednesday. In ordering all Coke Zero out of the country, Mantilla didn’t specify which ingredient was objectionable.

Coca-Cola’s Venezuelan operation put out a statement saying that Coke Zero ‘doesn’t have any components that can be harmful to people’s health,’ but began pulling the drinks today. Coke Zero is bottled by Coca-Cola Femsa, which is based in Mexico.

So keep an eye out for folks buying crates of Coke Zero. They might be getting ready for a foray down south.

-- David Colker and Nancy Rivera Brooks