Health hazards of benzene derivatives

Benzoyl peroxide is most commonly used to remove color from flour, milk and whey used for cheesemaking. It is currently approved by the US FDA as GRAS.  The EU banned the use of the chemical in food in the 1990s due to concerns about potential toxicity to the liver and poisoning.  Benzoyl peroxide can also break down into benzene, a known carcinogen, at temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Benzene is classified as a type A carcinogen, meaning that it can cause cancer.