A possible carcinogen lurks in most popular sodas, and it's not even necessary to the taste. A chemical known as 4-Mel gives soda its caramel coloring, but it might also cause cancer in large enough doses, CNN reported. According to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer and the state of California, a single can of most sodas exceed recommended daily intake of 4-Mel.

"We are concerned about both the levels of 4-MeI we found in many of the soft drinks tested and the variations observed among brands, especially given the widespread consumption of these types of beverages," said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, a Consumer Reports toxicologist.

In fact, the state of California limits beverages from containing more than 29 micrograms of the food coloring or else requires their manufacturers to include the message: "WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer."

When Consumer Reports purchased a can of Pepsi in California and tested its 4-Mel count, however, reporters found levels exceeding the legal amount.

Pepsi One countered that since the average consumer only drinks about a 1/3 of Pepsi per day, it still meets the state's standards, according to CNN.

Perhaps California's limits would be more strictly enforced if it had the backing of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). It currently does not, a reality emphasized by the American Beverage Association.

"First and foremost, consumers can rest assured that our industry's beverages are safe," the American Beverage Association said in a statement. "Contrary to the conclusions of Consumer Reports, FDA has noted there is no reason at all for any health concerns, a position supported by regulatory agencies around the world."

Still, Dr. Rangan contents that there is "no reason why consumers need to be exposed to this avoidable and unnecessary risk that can stem from coloring food and beverages brown."

And the ABA ceded as much in the latter part of their statement.

"However, the companies that make caramel coloring for our members' soft drinks are now producing it to contain less 4-MeI, and nationwide use of this new caramel coloring is underway."

The FDA is currently testing the additive for carcinogen-like properties, according to CNN.