Even the "taste infringement" lawyers from Coca-Cola's TV ads couldn't have dreamed up this one...

The government of Hugo Chavez, the socialist leader of Venezuala, this week banned the diet soft drink Coke Zero, despite the fact that the drink tastes exactly the same as regular Coke.

Venezuelan Health Minister Jesus Mantilla said the zero-calorie Coke product should not be sold or consumed and be removed from store shelves nationwide, citing unspecified health concerns.

"The product should be withdrawn from circulation to preserve the health of Venezuelans," the minister said, according to the state news agency.

The health ministry has not cared to elaborate on these allegations, and many suspect the move to be a political gesture against corporatism. However, given the continued legality of regular Coca-Cola, the move has provoked derision by those who don’t understand how, given the similar taste, the government will be able to tell the difference.

Chavez has not threatened to take over the Coca-Cola bottling operation, run by Mexico-based Grupo Femsa. In fact, Venezuelans have shown a hearty appetite for American brands, despite their president-for-life's frequent anti-capitalist harangues, which have been a staple of his marathon weekly TV show.

Recently, scientists at Coca-Cola’s massive R&D wing have almost conclusively established the virtual identicality in taste of the two drinks, a sentiment echoed by many consumers. Although no sanctions will be imposed, Venezuala is expected to suffer merciless lampooning, along with general eye-rolling and head-shaking by other members of the international community.

No mas!