Re: Is citric acid carcinogenic? Citric acid (as labeled on foods and drinks--like soda, for example) can be derived from Aspergillus Niger which can be genetically engineered. It is then sometimes combined with corn (which can be genetically engineered. Is it carcinogenic? Who knows??? Do consumers even know that citric acid could be genetically engineered? I wouldn't dismiss the possibilitiy of it being carcinogenic. The EPA lists citric acid as a non-regulated minimum risk pesticide.)
Additionally, Sodium benzoate is a preservative added to carbonated beverages, but those drinks that also have added citric or ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300) can be susceptible to the formation of benzene as a degradation product. At least that’s the theory.The US Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) was aware of this issue in the 1990s and alerted manufacturers who were then meant to introduce a “quick fix” to prevent this carcinogenic degradant from forming in amounts above safety levels. |