For Freshness And Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, which occurs naturally in small amounts in fruits like cranberries and plums. It is typically manufactured by reacting toluene with chlorine and then neutralizing the resulting benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

Sodium benzoate is primarily used as a preservative in acidic foods and drinks to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. It is often found in carbonated beverages, jams, jellies, pickles, and salad dressings.

Sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food preservative. When consumed in typical amounts, it is not associated with adverse health effects. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sodium benzoate and established acceptable daily intakes. However, some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive.