Sodium Benzoate Added To Retard Spoilage

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a widely occurring organic compound. It is typically manufactured by reacting toluene with chlorine to produce benzoyl chloride, which is then reacted with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. It appears as a white crystalline powder.

Sodium benzoate is added to foods as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is effective in acidic conditions and is commonly found in acidic foods such as fruit juices, pickles, jams, and carbonated beverages.

Sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food preservative. When consumed in typical amounts, it is not associated with adverse health effects. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated sodium benzoate. Concerns have been raised about its potential to form benzene, a carcinogen, in the presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and under certain conditions like heat or light exposure, though levels are generally considered very low in most beverages.