New Benzene Class Actions Target Soft-Drink Companies

BOSTON -- Two class action complaints have been filed against soft-drink companies in the wake of a three-year old FDA report indicating that some diet sodas have a higher benzene content than recommended.

The lawsuits were filed April 11 in the Suffolk (Mass.) Superior Court and the Florida Circuit Court for Leon County. Named in the class action complaints were Polar Beverages Inc. and In Zone Brands Inc.

The complaints allege that the soft drink companies did not take the necessary precautions to prevent benzene from forming in the soda. The lawsuits say that benzene forms in the drinks only …