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Benzene in Soft Drinks
"FDA Re-opens Investigation of Benzene Contaminated Soft Drinks"
The Food and Drug Administration re-opened an investigation into benzene contaminated soft drinks when recent tests identified levels of benzene in some soft drinks were up to five times the legal limit for drinking water.
Benzene, a poisonous chemical widely used in many industries, has been linked to the increased risk of leukemia and other cancers.
The cause of the benzene contamination in soft drinks comes from a chemical reaction between sodium benzoate, a preservative in food and drink products, and ascorbic acid or vitamin C, which is added to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. The ascorbic acid reacts with metals and creates “free radical” particles while the sodium benzoate breaks down into benzoic acid when placed in soft drinks. The free radicals react with the benzoic acid, causing carbon dioxide to be removed, thus producing benzene.
This new investigation comes more than 15 years after another benzene soft drink contamination scare, allegedly caused by faulty packaging processes, was revealed in 1990. Soft drink manufacturers told the FDA they would reformulate the products and “get the word out.” Legal action was never taken and the matter was never made public. In 1993, more testing for benzene in soft drinks revealed no signs of benzene contamination.
However, since 1993, more than 1,500 soft drink products have been launched throughout the world and many of the manufacturers are unaware of the risks associated with the chemicals they are using.
In the last few months, private testing of benzene in soft drinks by consumer advocates have raised health concerns and the FDA was commissioned to begin follow-up testing, which confirmed the results of the private tests.
“There are a few isolated products that have elevated levels [benzene]. We certainly want to make sure there is some reformulation,” said an FDA chemist.
Experts say the soft drink contamination problem is easy to avoid since ascorbic acid is not an essential additive to soft drinks. In addition, fruit and vegetable drinks, which naturally have ascorbic acid, do not need sodium benzoate as a preservative.
The FDA is close to finalizing the testing and will soon make a public announcement addressing what further action will be taken.
Eating or drinking products containing high levels of Benzene may cause many side effects including vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, accelerated heart rate, and even death. Long-term side effects of benzene can lead to anemia, infection, and various forms of cancer.
Have you been experienced side effects or illness due to benzene exposure?
You may wish to contact a qualified benzene exposure attorney who can determine if your case warrants a claim to seek compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering.
