1/10% Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in some fruits and spices. It is typically produced industrially by reacting toluene with chlorine and then oxidizing the resulting benzyl chloride. It is commonly used as a preservative in foods and drinks.

Sodium benzoate is primarily used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is especially effective in acidic foods, which is why it's often found in pickles, relishes, olives, and sauces. It helps extend the shelf life of these products.

Sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food preservative. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated it. Some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, particularly when combined with artificial food colors, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. It can form benzene, a carcinogen, in the presence of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and under certain conditions like heat or light, but levels are typically very low.