Lakeland Local

Publix and consumer attorney Tim Howard announced that they had settled a lawsuit that charged Publix Lemon Lime soft drink ingredients ascorbic acid and potassium benzoate could form a trace amount of benzene when exposed to heat over a period of time.

Publix and their drink manufacturer, Cott Beverages, altered the formulation of the drink to prevent any risk. They’ve also instituted a recall of drinks made using the old formula:

“Cans of Publix Diet Lemon Lime soda with a use by date of July 03, 2008 (designated on the bottom of the can as `07/03/08′) or later, have been reformulated. Customers who have purchased the product with a use by date before July 03, 2008, may return it to their store within the next 90 days for a full refund or replacement or, if the customer no longer has product purchased since October 1, 2006, may receive a refund or replacement upon proof of purchase in the form of a receipt of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact Publix Consumer Relations at 1-800-242-1227 or on the web at www.publix.com/contact/ContactUs.do“- Reuters