Concentrated Lemon Juice And Sodium Benzoate

Concentrated lemon juice is made by removing water from lemon juice. Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in some fruits. It is manufactured for commercial use.

Concentrated lemon juice adds lemon flavor and acidity. Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative to prevent spoilage from bacteria, yeast, and mold. They are often found together in products like salad dressings, sauces, and beverages.

Sodium benzoate is FDA-approved as a food additive. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as intended. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sodium benzoate and established acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed and inconclusive. When consumed in large amounts, it can form benzene, a carcinogen, in the presence of vitamin C, though levels are typically very low in beverages.