Mumbai: Coca-Cola India has welcomed the dismissal of a law suit in the Hyderabad High Court by the Indian Young Lawyers Association which questioned the safety of the company''s products.

"The decision vindicates our position and should reassure consumers that our products are safe. Coca-Cola India takes the safety of its consumers seriously and our products in India adhere to the same rigorous quality standards as they do throughout the world," says a company official.

Says Coca-Cola India president Sanjiv Gupta: "The use of unaccredited laboratories produces results at odds with both government and accredited independent labs. It has scared consumers unnecessarily and jeopardised thousands of jobs throughout the country."

The company says that it regrets any unnecessary panic among consumers and the subsequent concern this caused to thousands of employees in India about their future. "Independent scientific analysis of our products is available on our website at www.myenjoyzone.com."

Coca-Cola is one of India''s most respected brands and its soft drinks are now India''s favourites, claims the company. "We are one of India''s largest, employing over 5,000 people throughout the country and responsible for tens of thousands of livelihoods through linked industries such as suppliers and retailers."