Consumer Reports Expresses Concern over Benzene Levels in Soft Drinks

By Daniel Hawn

Published on September 21, 2006

Currently there is no FDA standard for benzene in soft drinks, but the FDA regulation for benzene in water is less than 5 ppb. Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, is recommending that the FDA extend the drinking water restrictions to the production of all beverages. Manufacturers would then be required to take steps to prevent benzene formation by altering product formulation or manufacturing processes.

The study tested Fanta Pineapple soda, Kool-Aid Jammers Orange juice drink, and Sunkist Grape and Orange sodas. Consumer Reports found each beverage to contain at least 2 ppb of benzene, with one sample of Fanta Pinapple containing 6 ppb. After the study was completed, Consumer Reports was informed that sodium benzoate had since been eliminated from the Kool-Aid Jammers Orange juice drink formula.

Furthering the study, researchers stored 11 beverages selected from the same sample under florescent lights in a 90 degree chamber. This time when the beverages were tested, the benzene levels were found to be much higher.

Consumer Reports says that buyers may want to avoid purchasing products that contain both vitamin C and sodium benzoate. If the products are purchased, consumers should protect themselves by storing them in a cool place out of direct light.

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