The cola controversy erupted in India six months ago after an independent environment group alleged that soft drinks sold by Coca-Cola and Pepsi companies in India had dangerously high levels of pesticide residue.

The companies strongly denied the allegations. But following a massive public outcry, a committee of senior lawmakers reviewed the findings.

In a public report, the committee says tests on 12 brands of sodas made by the two cola groups showed high levels of four extremely toxic pesticides. But the committee noted that the two companies broke no laws because Indian safety standards for food and beverages are very poor.

The cola companies have responded to the report by reiterating that the drinks they produce in India are safe and adhere to international norms.

Sunita Narain is director at the Center of Science and Environment, the group that broke the controversy. She says the parliamentary committee is now urging the government to set stringent safety standards for food, water and beverages. "It really calls for a manifesto or an action agenda for cleaning up India, cleaning up our water, our soil and our food," she said.

The Center for Science and Environment says the pesticide residue is in the cola beverages because the companies do not use adequate technology to filter toxins found in India's contaminated ground water.

Consumer groups have welcomed the parliamentary report, saying it is a "wake-up" call for the country to focus more attention on issues of public health and safety.