WASHINGTON, DC - Homeland Security and civil aviation authorities have announced that passengers on airline flights will no longer be permitted to carry Diet Coke or Mentos on board aircraft. This follows reports that simple bomb-making and rocket projectile instructions using these ingredients have been circulating widely on the internet.

A Homeland Security spokesman, who declined to be named, told Brainsnap:

"People carry Mentos onto planes. They say it's to keep their breath fresh, or to suck on so their ears don't pop. But if they mix it with Diet Coke, which they can even ask for on board, you have the essential ingredients for a primitive bomb or rocket projectile. They could go to the toilet and mix it all up and shake it until it's ready to blow. You then have a potentially lethal weapon."

Airlines are expected to announce that Diet Coke will no longer be served on domestic and international flights to or from the US, in case a passenger has succeeded in smuggling Mentos on board. Diet Coke will also be banned from passengers' cabin luggage. Airport security equipment is being upgraded in order to enable testing for Mentos when passengers and baggage are screened. Homeland Security personnel are believed to be currently testing a range of other soft drinks and confectionery, in order to determine whether further bans are necessary.

External Links
Man attempts to detonate self with homemade Mentos bomb
Scientists Building Even Larger Mentos bombs