Benzene in soft drinks

Tuesday 30 November 1999

As a result of interactions between sodium benzoate (a common preservative) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C, an antioxidant) in soft drinks, the potentially carcinogenic substance benzene can be generated, especially after prolonged storage at high ambient temperatures.

Levels found are overwhelmingly less than the 10 parts per billion level designated as the limit for drinking water by WHO; a recent Food Standards Agency survey found 4 drinks on sale with benzene contents above the WHO drinking water limit (out of 150 drinks tested).

Eclipse offers analysis of soft drinks for benzene content using a GCMS technique - contact sales@eclipsescientific.co.uk for further details.