Freshness Preserved By Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in some fruits and spices. It is typically produced industrially by reacting toluene with chlorine and then neutralizing the resulting benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in many processed foods, including acidic foods like salad dressings, carbonated drinks, jams, and pickles. It works by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, helping to extend the shelf life of products.

Sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food preservative. When consumed in typical amounts found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects for most people. However, some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, though evidence is mixed and inconclusive. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated sodium benzoate and established acceptable daily intakes.