Abstract
A DISPUTE HAS ERUPTED BEtween FDA and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) over whether some bottled and canned beverages contain unhealthy levels of benzene, a carcinogen. Only one issue is clear: Some drinks contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and the preservative sodium benzoate. In the presence of ascorbic acid under certain conditions, benzene is formed through the decarboxylation of benzoic acid ( J. Agric. FoodChem. 1993 ,41, 693). FDA first became aware of the problem in 1990 and asked manufacturers to reformulate their beverages. Between 1995 and 2001, FDA tested 24 samples of diet soda for benzene. Nineteen (79%) contained benzene at levels above the U.S. tap water standard of 5 ppb. The agency posted its analyses on a very difficult-to-access part of its website. In February of this year, EWG discovered these data and wrote to FDA expressing its concern. These results confirm our suspicions that there are highly elevated benzene levels in ...
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