Sodium Benzoate & Sodium Metabisulfite

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a naturally occurring organic compound found in many plants. It is typically manufactured synthetically by reacting toluene with chlorine and then oxidizing the resulting benzyl chloride. Sodium metabisulfite is a white crystalline powder with a sulfurous odor, produced industrially from sulfur dioxide.

Sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite are often used together as preservatives in acidic foods. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, helping to extend shelf life. They are commonly found in pickled vegetables, sauces, and relishes.

Sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food preservative. Sodium metabisulfite is also approved by the FDA as a food additive. Both have been evaluated by international bodies like JECFA and EFSA. Some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, though evidence is mixed and regulatory bodies have not established a causal link at typical consumption levels. Concerns have also been raised about the formation of benzene when sodium benzoate is combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) under certain conditions, though levels are generally considered safe.