Less Than 1/10th Of 1% Sodium Benzoate Added

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

Manufacturers add sodium benzoate primarily as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is often found in acidic foods and beverages like salad dressings, carbonated drinks, jams, fruit juices, and pickles.

Sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food preservative. The WHO/JECFA has also evaluated it and established an acceptable daily intake. While generally 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. It can also form benzene, a carcinogen, when combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in certain conditions, leading manufacturers to limit its use or use stabilizers.