Tip of the Week

Keep benzene out of your soda

Contrary to CW, what you don't know can hurt you. That's why The Green Guide encouraged its readers some weeks back to urge the FDA to find out which soft drinks contain the toxic chemical benzene and take steps toward getting it out when they found it. Fortunately, the pressure from you all and others, in particular a petition drive led by the Environmental Working Group, the FDA has finally taken a major step, and released the names of beverages that it found had high levels of cancer-causing benzene. Ten soft drinks were found to have benzene levels 17 times the level that is allowed in tap water (see list below). As a result of public pressure and publicity, the FDA committed to testing more products, and several major manufacturers, including Kraft and Schweppes, agreed to reformulate their beverages.

To avoid drinking benzene, scan your drink's label for the ingredients that can combine to form benzene: sodium benzoate (or potassium benzoate) and ascorbic acid (or vitamin C). Be aware that prolonged storage and warm conditions can facilitate benzene formation.

FDA found benzene in 10 soft drinks at levels up to 17 times the EPA drinking water standard:
Crystal Light Sunrise Classic Orange
Safeway Select Diet Orange
Crystal Light Sunrise Classic Orange
AquaCal Strawberry Flavored Water Beverage
Safeway Select Diet Orange
Safeway Select Diet Orange
Giant Light Cranberry Juice Cocktail
AquaCal Strawberry Flavored Water Beverage
Crush Pineapple
Giant Light Cranberry Juice Cocktail

© The Green Guide, 2008

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