Sodium Benzoate

Name: Sodium Benzoate
Alternative Names: Sodium Benzoate (211), Preservative (211), Preservative (E211), Preservative (Sodium Benzoate), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Benzoate of Soda.
E-Number: E211

Description: Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. It functions mainly as a preservative in foods. Therefore, its main purpose in food preparation is to prolong the shelf life of food products by limiting the growth of bacteria and fungi especially in foods with fruit.

Sodium Benzoate is found mainly in foods such as soft drinks, fruit flavored cordials and flavored waters and sports drinks. It can also be found in several natural products such as prunes, plums and cranberries. The latter is said to have resisted rapid deterioration over the years due to the fact that they contain higher levels of naturally occurring Sodium Benzoate.

Negative Effects: There are three main points of argument regarding the health effects of Sodium Benzoate. These include its link to cell damage, cancer and hyperactivity in children.

Research conducted by Professor Peter Piper from Sheffield University linked Sodium Benzoate to cell damage. He tested Benzoate on yeast cells and found the preservative spurred an increase in production of oxygen radicals, or free radicals, which several studies have linked to serious illnesses and aging in general (Crowley, 2008).

The effects of Sodium Benzoate are also linked to the chemical compound benzene which is used most often in the creation of plastics, resin and synthetic fibers (FSANZ, 2006). According to the FDA benzene is a known carcinogen (USFDA, 2007). Benzene can be formed at very low levels in beverages that contain both ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and Sodium Benzoate (FSANZ, 2006).

Additionally, Sodium Benzoate was also present in the Southhampton Study which linked certain additives to hyperactivity in children. In the study, two mixes of additives were given to children. Because Sodium Benzoate was present in both mixes but resulted in different effects on hyperactivity, no recommendations have been made on its removal. However, it has not failed to raise concern in consumers (Crowley, 2008).

Positive Effects: In the US, all additives used in the production of food have to be approved by the FDA. Internationally, both the EFSA and the FSA have granted the approval of Sodium Benzoate as safe as well (Crowley, 2008). The use of this preservative has been significantly advantageous to the food manufacturing industry and its removal would have significant implications throughout the industry.

FoodEssential Database: Below is a list of diet soda pops containing sodium benzoate. Click on the title of the products to view the food label to find out which products contain ascorbic acid as well as sodium benzoate. It is the combination of these two ingredients that is said to create benzene, a known carcinogen.

Food Categories containing Sodium Benzoate:
- Salad Dressing
- Soft Drinks
- Jams & Spreads
- Fruit Juices
- Cordial & Syrup
- Sports & Energy Drinks
- Flavoured Water
- Mixed Dried Fruit
- Canned Tuna & Salmon
- Sweet Treats & Cakes
- Dessert Topping

Summary: In the end sodium benzoate has proven to be an incredibly useful additive in processed foods. There are views on both sides promoting the problems and advantages of using such a substance in food production. And until that debate is resolved, it can be at least advisable to be aware of what is in the food that we eat.

References:
Sodium Benzoate Removed From Diet Coke. (Crowley, L, May 27, 2007)

Benzene in Flavoured Beverages. ( FSANZ, June, 2006)

Sodium Benzoate & Reports Based On Research By Professor Peter Piper Of Sheffield University UK. (Gentile, T, May 28, 2007)

Data on Benzene in Soft Drinks and Other Beverages. (FDA, July 12, 2007)

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