Sodium Benzoate Added To Preserve

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in many plants, such as cranberries and plums. It is typically made industrially by reacting toluene with chlorine to produce benzoyl chloride, which is then reacted with sodium hydroxide. It is a white, crystalline powder that dissolves in water.

Sodium benzoate is primarily used as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and beverages. It is most effective in acidic foods, and is commonly found in acidic products like soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, and salad dressings.

Sodium benzoate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food preservative. It has been evaluated by EFSA and JECFA, with no numeric limits set. Some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, but evidence is mixed and inconclusive. When combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in beverages, it can form small amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen, though levels are typically very low and regulated.