Talk:Sierra Mist
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This article contained a note on benzene in Sierra Mist, which I have edited as it was not quite correct. Original:
Recently, Sierra Mist has come under fire by the Environmental Working Group for containing traces of benzene. This occurs when two of the ingredients, potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid, combine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to comment about this issue.
The concern about the formation of benzene in soft drinks is with regards to the combination of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) (or a related compound, erythorbic acid) and sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate (preservatives). Sierra Mist contains potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid. However, calcium disodium EDTA and sugars have been shown to inhibit the production of benzene in sodas. Sierra Mist contains calcium disodium EDTA and sugars in its regular formula. Its diet, or "free," version contains calcium disodium EDTA. Neither Sierra Mist nor Sierra Mist Free have been shown to contain benzene levels above the drinking water limit.
A relevant citation is here: Benzene production from decarboxylation of benzoic acid in the presence of ascorbic acid and a transition-metal catalyst (Gardner & Lawrence, 1993)
Citric acid and benzoates alone have not been shown to be a problem, although some research suggests that if the initial ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate reaction takes place, citric acid can accelerate the formation of benzene. Also, the level of formation of benzene in the drink, if any, is dependent on the drink's exposure to heat and light.
The potentially hazardous combination of benzoate and ascorbic acid has been removed from a great many of the major lemon-lime brands. The best advice is to check the label, but even sodas that have been found to contain benzene should not be a major concern to the average consumer. The levels are far lower than those consumed daily during the course of a normal diet and almost all (but not all) are within the limits for water contamination.
If you are concerned, simply avoid those sodas containing the combination of sodium benzoate (or, less commonly, potassium benzoate), and ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C) or erythorbic acid. Better yet, stick to water for your thirst needs.
See United States Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers on the Occurrence of Benzene in Soft Drinks and Other Beverages for further information.
