1% Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in many plants, like cranberries and apples. It is typically manufactured by reacting toluene with chlorine, then neutralizing the resulting benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

Manufacturers add sodium benzoate primarily as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and beverages. It is most effective in acidic conditions and is commonly found in acidic foods like pickles, olives, relishes, salad dressings, and carbonated drinks.

Sodium benzoate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food preservative. When consumed in typical amounts, it is not associated with adverse health effects. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated sodium benzoate. Some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. In combination with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), sodium benzoate can form small amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen, under certain conditions like heat and light exposure; however, levels are generally very low and considered safe by regulatory bodies.