The FDA confirmed a list of bottled soft drinks that contained two ingredients that when combined and stored in higher temperatures, causes cancer. Among those listed were Diet Pepsi and Country Time Lemonade. I would like to find that article and the list of high-risk soft drinks that was included.
Deborah -- About.com User
Exposure to large amounts of benzene is known to cause cancer; however, this exposure is usually from coal burning and gasoline emissions -- not from drinking soft drinks.
The FDA tested over 200 soft drinks and released a list of benzoate levels found in soft drinks. The levels of benzene detected in most of the soft drinks was below five parts per billion, which is considered safe for humans.
Sources:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Benzene in Soft Drinks." Published April 2006.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Data on Benzene in Soft Drinks and Other Beverages." Updated July 2007.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Questions and Answers on the Occurrence of Benzene in Soft Drinks and Other Beverages." Updated 2007.
