The aim of the focus action was to determine the benzene levels in soft drinks, cherry flavorings, pasteurized carrot juices and in baby carrot pulp. Benzene is a carcinogenic and germ cell damaging substance that can be formed during the production of food and beverages. In selected samples, the ascorbic acid and benzoic acid content were additionally determined in order to establish a possible influence of these substances on the formation of benzene.

46 samples from all over Austria were examined. No sample was rejected.

Furthermore, no significant influence of the presence of ascorbic acid and the preservative benzoic acid on the formation of benzene could be deduced from the results. Based on the results of the action, there are no indications that benzene intake via food and beverages poses a risk to human health.