Preservative Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in small amounts in fruits like cranberries and plums. It is typically produced industrially by reacting toluene with chlorine and then oxidizing the resulting benzal chloride. It appears as a white, crystalline powder.

Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and beverages. It is particularly effective in acidic conditions. You can find it in a variety of products, including pickles, olives, salad dressings, carbonated drinks, and jams.

In the United States, sodium benzoate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used according to good manufacturing practices. Some studies have explored its potential effects on hyperactivity in children, with mixed results and no definitive conclusions. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sodium benzoate and established acceptable daily intake levels. It can react with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to form small amounts of benzene, a potential carcinogen, though levels are typically very low.