Coca-Cola is being sued for having ingredients in some of their products that may be converted into benzene.  Benzene is known to cause cancer.
 
   A recent lawsuit against two drink companies, In Zone Brands Inc. of Austell, Ga. and TalkingRain Beverage Co. Inc of Preston, Wash., was settled by consumers at a sum of $35,000 each.  These companies have since reformulated their products, along with refunding or replacing drinks made before they switched ingredients.

   Coca-Cola was sued Friday as part of an effort to force soft drink makers to eliminate ingredients in their products that can form cancer-causing benzene.  

   The complaint against the soft drink giant came as two smaller companies settled a lawsuit over benzene, which is linked to leukemia.

   "I think if they understand that consumers, and perhaps courts, expect them to eliminate this problem, they will, "said Boston lawyer Andrew Rainer.

   Coca-Cola spokesman said the lawsuit is not about consumer safety but about lining lawyer's pockets. 

   The Food and Drug Administration "has closely reviewed beverages for the presence of benzene in soft drinks several times in the past and each time has found no public health issue," said Coke spokesman Ray Crockett. 
 
   Similar lawsuits are pending in federal court in Kansas, Massachusetts and New Jersey and in state court in Florida and California.

   Plaintiffs added Coke's Vault Zero energy drink to the Kansas lawsuit, which also targets PepsiCo's (PEP) Diet Wild Cherry and Kraft Food Inc.'s Crystal Light Sunrise Classic Orange.

   Benzene can form in soft drinks containing vitamin C, also called absorbic acid, and either sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate.  Scientists say factors such as heat or light can trigger a reaction that forms benzene in the beverages.

   According to the suits, independent laboratory tests found benzene in the drinks at levels above the federal limit for benzene in drinking water. 
   

   Cola companies are experiencing scrutiny from several other avenues due to accusations of excessive pesticides.

   Big business sometimes gets the back seat as far as quality nutrition goes.  Whole foods (and products) closest to their natural state are what was meant for our bodies.  Processing, refining, and likewise "destroying" items for consumption may diminish the vitamin and nutrient content that our bodies rely on for optimum health.

   Find great recipes for whole fruits, fresh vegetables, meats and poultry in my book "Ms. Muscles Cookbook and Targeted Optimal Nutrition Guide."