Benzene in soft drinks
Wednesday 1 March 2006
Following reports of benzene in some soft drinks in the US, the Food Standards Agency asked the soft drinks industry to measure levels in the UK.
Benzene is a chemical that can cause cancer in humans. It is present in the air and has been detected at low levels in some soft drinks as a result of interaction between the preservative sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).
The Agency has received results of tests for benzene carried out on 230 drinks on sale in the UK.
The results indicate that, where detectable, the levels of benzene are very low and are not a concern for public health.
The FSA is continuing to investigate and will be encouraging industry to make levels as low as possible.