Water And Sodium Benzoate

Water is a clear, odorless, tasteless liquid essential for life. Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in many plants, like cranberries and apples. It is typically manufactured industrially from toluene.

Sodium benzoate is often added to foods and beverages as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. It is commonly found in acidic foods like soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, and condiments.

Sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food preservative. In combination with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), it can form small amounts of benzene, a potential carcinogen, especially when exposed to heat or light. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sodium benzoate and established acceptable daily intake levels. Some studies have explored its potential effects on hyperactivity in children, with mixed results.