Benzene

Beverages & Benzene

Recent attention has elevated the issue of benzene in soft drinks. Benzene is a substance that is ubiquitous to the environment, and can also form under certain limited conditions in particular soft drinks containing potassium or sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid.

No Health Risk

The FDA has indicated no public health concern regarding benzene in soft drinks.

And, when the presence of benzene has been found in tests, it has been at low levels that do not pose a human health concern, according to reviews by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The beverage industry is taking – and has taken – aggressive actions to address the formation of benzene, even if it occurs sparingly and at safe levels.

Benzene is Unavoidable

Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment –you breathe it and consume it every day.

It is in the air we breathe. It is in a wide variety of foods, including bananas, eggs and drinking water.

The industry’s foremost commitment is to its valued consumers. As such, the industry continues to take proactive action to minimize the formation of benzene in beverages – even at safe levels. Steps can be taken in the formulation and testing of beverages to minimize benzene. The American Beverage Association is making sure these best practices are communicated throughout our fast-growing industry.