Sodium Benzoate

Preservative · E211

What is Sodium Benzoate, and why is it used?

A preservative that slows yeasts and molds, most effective in acidic foods and drinks.

What it is

The sodium salt of benzoic acid, which also occurs naturally in some fruits and spices.

Why it's used

Slows spoilage in soft drinks, pickles, sauces and some cosmetics.

Known concern

With vitamin C plus heat or light, trace benzene can form in some beverages.

Exposure context

FDA surveys found most beverages tested had benzene below 5 ppb, the drinking-water limit; manufacturers reformulated outliers.

Regulatory

US: GRAS at up to 0.1% in food. EU: authorized additive E211.

Evidence & sources

• Benzene can form from benzoate and ascorbic acid in some beverages, but most products tested were below 5 ppb. Evidence: regulatory. Known: FDA beverage surveys 2005–2007 measured benzene across hundreds of products. Unknown: Current levels in every product on the market. Source: US Food and Drug Administration, Data on Benzene in Soft Drinks and Other Beverages (2006–2007 surveys).

Connected topics

• Citric Acid
• Vitamin C
• Hazard ≠ Risk

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.