BENZENE IN SOFT DRINKS - 22/09/2006
Chemical Control is able to perform the quantitative analytical determination of benzene in soft drinks by means of HS/GC-MS instrumental technique.
Food Standards Agency (FSA) and European Commission Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notified presence of benzene in soft drinks.
Benzene has been detected sporadically in soft drinks as a result of the interaction between the preservative sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
Combination of these two ingredients can be furtherly strengthened by the action of heat or light, for example during transport or storage.
A guideline level for the maximun acceptable quantity of benzene in drinking water is indicated by WHO as: 10 ppb.
The FSA (Food Standards Agency) survey to investigate levels of benzene in 150 soft drinks showed 4 samples with levels of benzene above the guideline level indicated by WHO; the Agency has asked the relevant companies to remove these products from sale.
Some juices, for example mango and cranberry juices, may naturally contain benzene.
In order to read the FSA survey:
Referring to the topic above specified, we inform you Chemical Control laboratory is able to support the customer in the quantitative analytical determination of benzene in soft drinks by means of HS/GC-MS instrumental technique.
For further information please contact:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
CANTAMESSA dott.ssa Liliana
Tel: +39 0171 417452
