Occupational Diseases: Coke Added to Benzene Suit

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Coca-Cola Co. was sued Friday over its new energy drink, Vault Zero. The plaintiffs allege that ingredients in the soft drink can form carcinogenic benzene. "I think that if they understand that consumers, and perhaps courts, expect them to eliminate this problem, they will," said Boston lawyer Andrew Rainer, who represents the plaintiffs. Coca-Cola has responded that the lawsuit is being brought about solely for monetary gain on the part of the lawyers.

Benzene can form in soft drinks containing vitamin C, and either sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate. Heat or light exposure can trigger a reaction that forms benzene in the beverages. After testing over 100 beverages this year, the Food and Drug Administration said five drinks shows benzene levels above the federal limit for water. Vault Zero was not among the drinks tested. Coke spokesman Ray Crockett responded to the suit that the FDA "has closely reviewed beverages for the presence of benzene in soft drinks in the past and each time has found no public health issue."