Safeway is the latest soda-pop manufacturer to settle a class actiona lawsuit against many soda-pop, and juice companies related to benzene found inside of the beverages. The problem occurs when two chemicals (sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate) are found in conjunction with Vitamin-C and other minerals that combine to form Benzene. Benzene is a carcinogen that has been linked to various bone marrow diseases and leukemia.
Coca-Cola settled the case last month, while PepsiCo, Sunny Delight, Shasta, and Polar have not. The settlement states that the drinks will be reformulated to minimize the creation of benzene.
Bottled war has regulated benzene amounts (5 parts per billion) while soda-drinks do not. Consumer's Union, the parent corporation of Consumer Reports, is asking the FDA to place restrictions and limit the amount of benzene found in pops.
(source: Consumer Reports)
