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Drinkmakers settle lawsuit over benzene
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published August 25, 2006
WASHINGTON - Two soft drink companies have stopped using ingredients that can form cancer-causing benzene, according to a proposed lawsuit settlement. Parents sued Atlanta-based In Zone Brands Inc., maker of BellyWashers, and TalkingRain Beverage Co. of Preston, Wash., over drinks containing benzene, which is linked to leukemia. In documents filed in District of Columbia Superior Court, the companies and the parents agreed to settle the dispute. A hearing was scheduled for today, when a judge would consider the settlement. BellyWashers are juice drinks that come in reusable bottles featuring Spider-Man, Hello Kitty, Scooby Doo and other well-known characters. The drinkmakers denied that their products caused any harm. But they agreed in April and May to change their ingredients, after the suit was filed. They also agreed to refund or replace drinks made before the switch in ingredients. Similar suits against other drink companies are pending in Kansas, Massachusetts, Florida, California and New Jersey. Benzene can form in soft drinks containing two ingredients: Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, and either sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate. Scientists say factors such as heat or light exposure can trigger a reaction that forms benzene. According to the suits, independent laboratory tests found benzene in the kids' drinks at levels above the federal limit for benzene in drinking water. As part of the settlement, the companies agreed to pay $35,000 each.
[Last modified August 24, 2006, 23:48:46]
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