Natural Color And Sodium Benzoate

Natural color refers to colorants derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources. Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a naturally occurring organic compound found in many plants like cranberries and apples. It is typically produced synthetically for food use.

Natural colors add visual appeal to foods. Sodium benzoate acts as a preservative, preventing spoilage from bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is often found in acidic foods and beverages like salsas, salad dressings, and carbonated drinks.

Natural colors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Sodium benzoate is also GRAS for use as a preservative. When combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in beverages, it can form small amounts of benzene, a potential carcinogen, though levels are typically very low. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sodium benzoate and established acceptable daily intakes.