Striving4Zen

Benzene is an industrial solvent and a known carcinogen, so food companies generally try to keep it out of their products.
However, two chemicals found in soda, sodium benzoate (a preservative) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), can react to form benzene, especially in the presence of heat or light.
In 2007, Coca-Cola and Pepsi agreed to settle lawsuits brought against them after benzene was detected in their products. The suit alleged that Pepsi’s Diet Wild Cherry drink had benzene levels nearly four times the maximum level set by the Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water. Oopsy. Both companies agreed to reformulate; however, thousands of soft drinks containing benzoate and citric acids are still on the market.

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Labels: beverages, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, sodium benzoate, toxic, toxins

Science Buzz: A new study links the sodium benzoate found in some soft drinks to the destruction of DNA. Finally, a new health scare to worry about! A British researcher says the chemical - a common preservative in sodas, sauces and pickles - has the ability to switch off important parts of your DNA, leading to cirrhosis and/or Parkinson's.

Wikipedia - Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative, effectively killing most yeasts, bacteria, and fungi. It is effective only in acidic conditions: vinegar, carbonated drinks (carbonic acid), jams (citric acid), fruit juices (citric acid), pickles (vinegar), and Chinese food sauces (soy, mustard, and duck). It is also found in alcohol-based mouthwash and silver polish. Sodium benzoate is used in many soft drinks and can be identified on the label of the bottle or can as 'sodium benzoate' or E211. The taste of sodium benzoate cannot be detected by around 25 percent of the population, but for those who can taste the chemical, it tends to be perceived as sweet, salty, or sometimes bitter.

Labels: dangerous additives, food, sodium benzoate