Ingredient Information

Function

Salts, including sodium chloride, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and sodium benzoate are effective in preventing microbial growth in foods. Because salt links with water, it decreases the amount of water that is available for bacteria, yeasts and mold. This improves the shelf life and delays spoilage of food products. Sodium can be readily dissolved in water and works best in acidic foods, and was used widely in the fruit beverage industry before its health effects were discovered. It is also used in combination with some food colorings.

Other Use and Industries

Sodium benzoate is also used as a preservative in medicine and cosmetics. It is an extremely fast burning fuel used in the whistles in fireworks. Because of its ability to kill microorganisms, it is used in toothpaste and mouthwash to freshen breath.

Benzoic acid also plays a major role in the manufacture of chemicals such as polypropylene plastic, and in photographic developer baths, but its main use is as an anti-corrosive in antifreeze solutions.

Health Effects

Sodium benzoate can cause allergic reactions like hives or asthma in some individuals. When sodium benzoate is used in combination with vitamin C, as is the case in many drinks, the two can react to form small amounts of benzene, a toxic chemical that is known to cause some kinds of cancer. In 1990 American companies were urged to reformulate products that contained both sodium benzoate and vitamin C. Coca-cola and PepsiCo did not reformulate until 2006 after losing a lawsuit.

In addition to its uses as a preservative, its combined use with food colorings has caused suspicion regarding the role of sodium benzoate in producing hyperactivity in children. However, the link between food colorings and hyperactivity has not yet been proven.

Sodium benzoate should be avoided in foods that also contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and when consumed by individuals who are sensitive to it.

Origins

Sodium benzoate is produced by reacting benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Though benzoic acid is a more effective antimicrobial than sodium benzoate, the latter is used because it can dissolve more easily in water.