1/10th Of 1% Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid. It is produced when benzoic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide. It is commonly found in nature in many fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, apples, and plums.

Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in many packaged foods to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. It is most often found in acidic foods like pickles, olives, relishes, dips, salsas, and sauces.

In the U.S., 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 sodium benzoate. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, though research findings are mixed and inconclusive. It can also form benzene, a carcinogen, when combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in certain conditions, leading manufacturers to adjust formulations.