An updated estimate of benzoate intakes from non-alcoholic beverages in Canada and the United States

ABSTRACT

In 2017, the results of a comprehensive assessment of intake for benzoic acid and its salts from non-alcoholic beverages were published for four regions (Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the United States [U.S.]). These regions were among those identified as having the most prevalent use of benzoates in beverages globally. The results of the 2017 study did not indicate a safety concern relative to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) established for benzoates (5 mg kg body weight^-1 day⁻¹, as benzoic acid), and supported maintaining the Codex maximum benzoate level in water-based beverages (250 mg kg⁻¹). Since this time, population-specific food consumption data have been released for public use for Canada, and updated beverage consumption data have become available for the U.S. To ensure estimated intakes remain relevant, these consumption data were incorporated with previously collected brand-specific benzoate use level and market volume data for beverages. Dietary exposure to benzoates from non-alcoholic beverages was assessed using statistical modelling, either probabilistic (non-brand loyal; considering the full distribution of use levels) or deterministic (brand loyal; assuming all regular carbonated soft drinks, the brand loyal beverage type, contain benzoates at the maximum use level, and all other beverage types in which benzoates are used contain benzoates at the market-weighted average use level). In both models, estimated daily intakes at the mean and 95^th percentile were below the ADI (≤76% of the ADI) in all Canadian and U.S. population groups with a statistically reliable population size. The findings from updated Canadian and U.S. consumption data continue to support the Codex maximum benzoate level in water-based flavoured drinks at 250 mg kg⁻¹.

KEYWORDS:

• Benzoate
• benzoic acid
• exposure assessment
• non-alcoholic beverages
• water-based flavoured drinks
• additive
• CCHS-Nutrition
• NHANES
• ADI

Acknowledgments

Branded-use level information on benzoates was provided by International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) members including member companies from the American Beverage Association (ABA), the Associacao Brasileira das industrias de Refrigerantes e de Bebidos nao Alcoolicas (ABIR), the Asociación Nacional de Productores de Refrescos y Aguas Carbonatadas, A.C. (ANPRAC), and the Canadian Beverage Association (CBA). Important contributions in the implementation of the 2015 CCHS-Nutrition dataset for the purposes of the analysis was provided by Dr. Shafagh Fallah, of Intertek Scientific & Regulatory Consultancy. This research was funded by the ABA.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors. Maia M. Jack is an employee of the American Beverage Association.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the American Beverage Association.