Sodium Benzoate And Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid is a white, crystalline organic compound. It can occur naturally in small amounts in fruits like cranberries and plums. Industrially, it is typically produced from toluene, a petroleum byproduct.

Sodium benzoate and benzoic acid are used as preservatives to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and beverages. They are most effective in acidic conditions. You can find them in items like soft drinks, jams, pickles, and baked goods.

Sodium benzoate and benzoic acid are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as preservatives. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated these substances. Some studies have explored potential links between consumption and hyperactivity in children, but evidence is mixed and not conclusive. Concerns have also been raised about the formation of benzene, a carcinogen, when these preservatives are combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in certain conditions, though levels are typically very low.