Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Coke Must Run Corrected Ads in Australia

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 2, 2009 6:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – Coke has to run a series of we-goofed ads in Australia after asserting in a recent campaign that the soft drink doesn’t rot teeth, make you fat, or contain much caffeine, the Australian reports. “The moment we saw the ad our eyebrows were raised and that turned to disbelief,” said the chairman of the government agency that ordered the do-over.

The original ad featured an Australian actress who said "drinks like Coca-Cola” can’t rot teeth because they “are swallowed quite quickly.” The actress, Kerry Armstrong, also dismissed the notion of weight gain ("fat chance") and called the claims of high caffeine “a pack of lies.” Coke says it intended to show that the drink isn’t dangerous in moderation, but acknowledged that it “oversimplified” the message.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

The ad itself. (AP Photo)

Coca-Cola bottles. (AP Photo)

The ad also claims Coke doesn't cause obesity. "Fat chance," it says. (AP Photo)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Now that I've found out what's myth and what isn't, it's good to know that our family can enjoy one of our favorite drinks. My kids now call me Mum the Myth Buster! - Kerry Armstrong, in Australian Coke ad

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

FTC Subpoenas Food Giants on Marketing to Kids

Congress wants data on childhood obesity

(NEWSER) - The FTC dealt out 44 subpoenas yesterday to food companies, including McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Kraft, seeking information on how much they spent on advertising to kids. The businesses have until November 1 to comply for a report the FTC is preparing for Congress on marketing practices and child obesity. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website