Sodium Benzoate As Preservatives

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid. It is produced industrially by reacting benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Benzoic acid is found naturally in many plants, like cranberries and plums, but the sodium benzoate used in food is typically synthesized.

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

In the U.S., sodium benzoate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food preservative. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated it. Some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. When consumed at typical levels found in food, it is considered safe.