Beverage companies to add QR codes linking to ingredient database

Major beverage companies will place QR codes on certain product packages that link to a website listing more than 140 ingredients and their nutritional information. The American Beverage Association announced the change Tuesday. Companies represented by the group, including The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper and PepsiCo, will participate.

Website details The site, called "Good to Know," provides a definition for each ingredient, lists the types of products that contain it, and notes where the ingredient is authorized worldwide. The site does not list the exact ingredients in each brand. Consumers will still need to read the label on the can or bottle to see the specific contents.

Background and context The American Beverage Association said the information aligns with assessments from the Food and Drug Administration, the European Food Safety Authority and Health Canada. The initiative follows earlier use of QR codes by some soda brands for promotional campaigns. Other participating brands include Celsius, Monster Energy, Polar Beverages and Red Bull.