Higher Levels of Benzene, a Carcinogenic Compound, Reportedly Found in Soft Drinks Sold in Plastic Bottles than those Sold in Glass
Published: 25 June 2008
Category: Packaging CONCERNS, Studies/Federal Regulations
Europe’s “Food Navigator” reports a new study that looks at benzene levels in different packaging for soft drinks sold in Belgium has found that some still have higher levels of the alleged carcinogen than drinking water. Benzene is a carcinogenic compound that is reportedly formed when two common ingredients in soft drinks, sodium benzoate (a preservative) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), are used together. According to the study’s authors, “This test indicates that significantly higher concentrations of benzene were detected in soft drinks sold in plastic bottles than in canned soft drinks or in those commercialized in glass bottles.”