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From The Times
March 4, 2006

Tests confirm levels of benzene in soft drinks

By Valerie Elliott, Consumer Editor

SAFETY tests on soft drinks have shown that more than half contain levels of a cancer-causing chemical that breach the legal limit for drinking water, The Times has learnt. Just 100 of the 230 drinks tested for benzene met the standard for British water, with some containing up to eight times the legal limit.

Despite growing consumer concern, the British Soft Drinks Association, which compiled the data, last night refused to disclose the brands and companies that show higher levels of benzene. Individual companies also refused to give full results of the tests.

There is no legal standard in the EU for benzene levels in soft drinks, although World Health Organisation guidance recommends a maximum amount of 10 parts per billion.

Stephen O’Brien, the Conservative health spokesman, said: “The concerns over benzene could be addressed immediately by drinks manufacturers volunteering current benzene levels in all their drinks.”

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