1/10 Of 1% Sodium Benzoate Added

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in small amounts in fruits like cranberries and plums. It is typically manufactured by reacting toluene with chlorine and 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 acidic foods. It is commonly found in acidic foods and beverages such as ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, pickles, olives, and soft 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 a potential link between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed and inconclusive. It can form benzene, a carcinogen, in the presence of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), particularly when exposed to heat or light, though levels are typically very low.