Do The Chemicals That Turn Soda Brown Also Cause Cancer?

We all know that soda is bad for us. It's unhealthy, it damages our teeth, but it tastes great. However, recent studies accuse the coloring used in many sodas of causing cancer. In this article by TIME Magazine, the brown coloring of many sodas, such as Coke and Root beer, is accused of containing certain carcinogens which are related to causing cancer in lab rats. This is causing issues between the soda companies and the FDA. The FDA is working to either remove the coloring or put warning labels on soda, while the soda companies note that the carcinogens being accused have no evidence of having any actual effect on humans.

Does the idea that soda might cause cancer mean that we will stop drinking it? No, probably not except for those extreme few who feel they must keep themselves completely isolated from such risks. I personally don't care that much. I figure that the chance of getting cancer because you drink soda every once in a while is about as much as suddenly becoming obese because of a soda every once in a while. Even if it is true, the risk factor is exceptionally low. They would be better off citing the fats in most junk foods than the possibility of a chemical in soda causing cancer. I can see why some people would worry, but this seems like an overreaction. It seems hardly noteworthy.