by Cymric:
Don't overreact---benzene formation isn't that important unless you keep foddstuffs outside of the fridge in full sunlight.
The BBC report didn't mention light as being a significant catalyst - the reaction was taking place in storage. And isn't it precisely when there is bright sunshine that people are going to want to drink Lucozade for refreshment?
... that bottle you leave on the beach in the afternoon sun... a ticking cancer timebomb!
(Not to mention new research that suggests the plastics used in the bottle can leak chemicals simular to oestrogen).
When you say benzoic acid is present in fruits, does this mean Sodium Benzoate?
Anyway, the food standards people weren't asking for the Sodium Benzoate to be removed from Lucozade, they wanted the Vitamin C removed for some odd reason. They suggested that there were other opportunities to get this anti-oxidant other than in soft drinks.
In fact, it's either Norway or Sweden has banned Cornflakes as the Vitamin content is deemed a risk to the liver.
But it's Coca Cola's ability to clean tarnished spoons, patios etc. that should pose the greatest warning. Have you noticed too that everyone who drinks Diet Coke is a fat ass?
(Aspartame has been linked to brain cell death as well!)
A good all rounder I've discovered lately is 'Five Alive'. It may be bottled by Coca Cola Enterprises under license but it features none of the crap associated with that American brand.
A good, still and refreshing fruit juice drink in a can with no artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings. It comes in Forest Fruits and Citrus flavours.
:-D
