Venezuela’s socialist government stepped up its attack on private enterprise this week by targeting Coca-Cola, one of the most potent symbols of global capitalism, by banning the sale of Coke Zero on unspecified health concerns.

The move accompanies a broader clampdown on the private sector, which has led to a wave of nationalisations in recent months, with other international companies threatened including Cargill, Pfizer and a raft of oil service companies.