In the latest effect of the novel coronavirus, the supplies of Coca-Cola could dry up in the United States.

The outbreak of the coronavirus has resulted in a stoppage in the production of Coca-Cola’s supply of artificial sweeteners that are being used in Coke Zero and Diet Coke.

In the annual report of Coca-Cola, which was released on Monday this week, the food and beverage company stated that production and exports for their sugar-free drinks could suffer if the current situation of the coronavirus would worsen in China.

The official statement from the company says, “We have initiated contingency supply plans and do not foresee a short-term impact due to these delays.”

The statement added, “However, we may see tighter supplies of some of these ingredients in the longer term should production or export operations in China deteriorate.”

The following artificial sweeteners are found in Coca-Cola products:

• Aspartame
• Acesulfame Potassium
• Sucralose,
• Saccharin
• Cyclamate
• Steviol Glycosides

Coca-Cola did not mention which of these sweeteners have been affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus in China.

The company did say that they have increased the safety measures for workers in their work places to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

In the statement the company released, they said, “The safety and health of the company’s associates remains a high priority.”

The company added, “The company has implemented precautionary measures to protect employees in China, which includes providing face masks and hand sanitizers; installing temperature screening in offices and manufacturing facilities.”

China has confirmed 78,497 cases of the deadly coronavirus and has confirmed that the virus has caused the deaths of 2,744 people.

As of now, there is now slowing down in the number of people being infected with the deadly coronavirus.