If there is ascorbic acid and sodium or potassium benzoate in a soft drink does that mean benzene is present?
No. Benzene does not form in every case where both of these ingredients are present. We are aware that extremely low levels of benzene (in parts per billion) may be found under certain conditions in such formulations and when they have been exposed to heat or ultraviolet light. But there are steps that can be taken in formulating beverages to prevent or minimize the formation of benzene, and the effectiveness of these measures can be assessed through appropriate testing. The American Beverage Association is distributing throughout the beverage industry guidance about these formulations and testing steps to assure that manufacturers will use production procedures that minimize the possibility of benzene formation. The FDA also makes the point that the mere presence of benzoates and ascorbic acid does not mean the presence of benzene. Robert E. Brackett, director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, wrote in a March 21 2006 letter: “You should know, however, that th
