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Benzoate E211 - Sodium Benzoate as a Food Preservative

Benzoate E211 (sodium benzoate) is an approved food additive used as a preservative in beverages and food products to inhibit microbial growth.

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Things worth knowing about "Benzoate E211"

Benzoate E211 (sodium benzoate) is an approved food additive used as a preservative in beverages and food products to inhibit microbial growth.

What is Benzoate E211?

Benzoate E211, commonly known as sodium benzoate, is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. It is widely used in the food industry as an approved preservative to extend the shelf life of various products. While it is produced synthetically for commercial purposes, benzoic acid also occurs naturally in small amounts in certain foods such as cranberries, plums, and cinnamon. Within the European Union, it is authorised under the E-number E211.

Uses and Applications

Sodium benzoate is primarily used to inhibit the growth of yeasts, moulds, and certain bacteria in food and beverages. Common products containing E211 include:

Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
Fruit juices and nectars
Salad dressings and marinades
Jams and preserves
Vinegar and soy sauce
Cosmetics and pharmaceutical products (as a preservative)

Mechanism of Action

Benzoate is most effective in acidic environments (pH below 4.5). Under acidic conditions, it exists as free benzoic acid, which can penetrate the cell membranes of microorganisms. Once inside the cell, it lowers the intracellular pH, disrupting vital metabolic processes and effectively inhibiting microbial growth and reproduction.

Safety and Health Assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for benzoic acid and its salts of 5 mg per kg body weight per day. Exceeding this level may cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals.

Potential Adverse Effects

Pseudo-allergic reactions: In people with aspirin intolerance or chronic urticaria, E211 may trigger reactions similar to allergies, such as skin rashes, itching, or breathing difficulties.
Benzene formation: When combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, E300), sodium benzoate can form the carcinogenic compound benzene under certain conditions such as heat and light exposure. This is particularly relevant in soft drinks containing both substances.
Hyperactivity in children: Studies, including the well-known Southampton study (2007), suggested a possible link between certain combinations of food dyes and benzoate and increased hyperactivity in children.

Labelling Requirements

According to EU food labelling regulations, sodium benzoate must be declared in the ingredient list of food products either as E211 or as sodium benzoate. This allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of benzoic acid (E210), sodium benzoate (E211), potassium benzoate (E212) and calcium benzoate (E213) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2016.
McCann D. et al.: Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 2007.
World Health Organization (WHO) / Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate. Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 26, 2000.

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