Terrorist Osama bin Laden Is Collecting Profits From a Substance Found in Soft Drinks–Unproven!
Summary of eRumor:
There are various versions of this, but they say that “gum arabic” is a common ingredient in sodas and that it is manufactured by a company owned by Osama bin Laden and used to finance terrorism. The emails encourage readers to complain to retailers.
The Truth:
As a part of its efforts to take action against terrorists, the U. S. government is looking into this. At the moment, whether Osama bin Laden has current connections with the gum arabic industry is not reliably known.
Even if he does, holding the grocery stores accountable for it will be difficult because gum arabic comes from different sources, not just ones that may be suspected as linked to bin Laden. What is regarded as the best gum arabic, however, comes from Sudan, where it is believed that bin Laden has had considerable financial interests. Of particular concern has been Sudan’s Gum Arabic company. In 1998, a U.S. State Department investigation found no evidence that the company was connected with bin Laden and a State Department spokesperson says they currently do not have information contrary to that, but it will be freshly looked into.
According to the Encyclopedia of Food Additives, Gum arabic is a major ingredient in several foods including sodas, beers, salad dressings, and ice cream.
The original name attached to the email was apparently a part of the hoax.
The man told TruthOrFiction.com he had nothing to do with it and does not know how his name became attached to it.