BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Three women in three states in America are suing Sunny Delight, PepsiCo., Shasta and Rockstar, alleging some of the companies' juice products are prone to containing benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer, anemia and other illnesses.

    The suit was filed in the summer of 2006 by two mothers and a student in Florida, New Jersey and Kansas. They recently got a settlement out of Coca-Cola Co.

    The suit alleges Sunny Delight's Baja Orange, Berry and Intense Lemon Lime flavors tested positive for benzene after being exposed to heat and light. Two ingredients in the beverage -- ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and sodium benzoate -- can apparently combine to form benzene when exposed to these conditions.

    "This is about preventing anyone from getting injured," said Andrew Rainer, a Boston attorney who is representing the women. "The levels of benzene in these products is higher than the level that is (allowed) in drinking water."

    The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate benzene in beverages other than bottled water. But in an e-mail, the regulatory group said a survey showed most beverages contained either no benzene or levels below the limit for drinking water. As such, it said that such beverages were not a concern.

    Coca-Cola in mid-May settled and reformulated its Fanta Pineapple and Vault Zero drinks to exclude the benzene-related ingredients. It also posted a notice on its website offering the newer product as reimbursement to those who were affected.

    Asked if Sunny Delight may have reformulated its drinks, Rainer said he does not know. "They certainly have not said anything to the world about it."

(Agencies)