Calcium Chloride And Sodium Benzoate

Calcium chloride is a salt made from chlorine and calcium. Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a compound found naturally in some fruits. Both are often produced industrially for use in food.

Calcium chloride is used as a firming agent, especially in canned fruits and vegetables like pickles, and as an electrolyte in sports drinks. Sodium benzoate is a preservative that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in acidic foods like salad dressings, carbonated drinks, and jams. They are often used together in pickled products.

In the US, both calcium chloride and sodium benzoate are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Sodium benzoate is generally considered safe, but some studies have raised concerns about its potential to form benzene in the presence of vitamin C, especially when exposed to heat or light. However, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA continue to monitor this and have not found significant health risks at typical consumption levels. JECFA has evaluated both substances.