Citric Acid And Sodium Benzoate As Preservative

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. It is commercially produced by fermenting a sugar source, typically from corn or sugarcane, using specific strains of the mold Aspergillus niger. Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in some fruits and spices.

Citric acid is used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative. Sodium benzoate is a preservative that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. They are often used together in acidic foods like sauces, pickles, and beverages to extend shelf life.

Both citric acid and sodium benzoate are approved for use in food by the FDA. Citric acid is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Sodium benzoate is permitted as a preservative. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated both substances. While generally recognized as safe at typical consumption levels, some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive.