Update on withdrawal of soft drinks due to the presence of benzene
Monday 10 April 2006
Food Alert: for Information
Ref: 19/2006 update 1 (20/2006 update 1 - Scotland)
The Silver Spring Mineral Water Co. Ltd and Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc withdrew products on 31 March 2006 due to the presence of benzene at levels above 10 parts per billion (ppb).
People who have inhaled very high levels of benzene in the workplace have been found to increase their risk of cancer. Benzene has been detected at far lower levels in some soft drinks. Its presence in soft drinks is thought to be the result of an interaction between the preservative sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
The affected products are:
- Popstar Lemon and Lime flavour still drink 330ml: batch code SSL5207, best before 22 APR 06
- Morrisons Pineapple and Grapefruit Crush – No added Sugar 2 litre: batch code 6024C3, best before JUL 06
No other Silver Spring Mineral Water Co. Ltd or Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc products are known to be affected.