Coca-Cola India on Friday asserted that there was "no detectable level of pesticides" in soft drinks manufactured by it in India when measured against strict European Union standards.

"Our soft drinks have been regularly tested and evaluated by a world renowned UK government laboratory - Central Science Laboratories. All tests show that our soft drinks are below the EU criteria for pesticide residues in bottled water," Coke said for the first time since the controversy over pesticides began.

Meanwhile, the company also supported a move by the government to adopt clear criteria for pesticide residues in soft drinks, which are based on scientifically validated testing methods.

"We are working with relevant government bodies in India to develop and finalise the criteria along with their associated testing protocols for pesticide residues in soft drinks," Coca- Cola said in a statement. 

Coke also said it was committed to provide the same quality standard for products in India as it was elsewhere in the world. "We have the same uncompromising commitment to product safety and quality in our beverages in India that we offer around the world," it said.

The company said the Indian operations followed stringent standards for all of the ingredients used in its beverages.

"These standards are backed by analytical testing protocols for these ingredients and we regularly audit all plants for compliance," the statement said.