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E211 Sodium Benzoate – Uses, Safety & Effects

E211 (sodium benzoate) is a widely used food additive that acts as a preservative in beverages and food products to inhibit microbial growth.

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Things worth knowing about "E211"

E211 (sodium benzoate) is a widely used food additive that acts as a preservative in beverages and food products to inhibit microbial growth.

What is E211 (Sodium Benzoate)?

E211, commonly known as sodium benzoate, is the sodium salt of benzoic acid (E210). It belongs to the group of preservatives and is widely used in the food industry to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and moulds in food and beverages. Sodium benzoate also occurs naturally in small amounts in certain fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, and plums.

Uses and Occurrence

As a preservative, E211 is primarily used in acidic foods and beverages, as it is most effective at a low pH (below pH 4.5). Typical products that may contain sodium benzoate include:

Carbonated soft drinks and sodas
Fruit juices and nectars
Pickles and pickled vegetables
Salad dressings and sauces
Jams and preserves
Margarine and certain dairy products
Medicinal syrups and cough medicines

Mechanism of Action

In the acidic environment of a food product, sodium benzoate is converted into undissociated benzoic acid. This form can penetrate the cell membranes of microorganisms and inhibit their metabolic processes by lowering the intracellular pH and blocking key enzymes. This effectively prevents the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and moulds, thereby extending the shelf life of the product.

Regulatory Approval and Maximum Levels

In the European Union, E211 is approved as a food additive and is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The permitted maximum levels vary by product category and generally range from 150 mg/kg to 2000 mg/kg. The ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) at 5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

Health Aspects and Safety

Reaction with Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

An important safety concern is the reaction between sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, E300), which is present in many beverages. Under certain conditions such as heat and light exposure, this reaction can produce benzene, a known carcinogen. The amounts formed are generally very small, but are nonetheless considered undesirable. Consumers should be aware of products that combine both additives.

Possible Intolerances

In sensitive individuals, sodium benzoate may trigger intolerance reactions, including:

Skin irritation or hives (urticaria)
Asthma attacks in individuals with pre-existing asthma
Gastrointestinal discomfort

Hyperactivity in Children

A widely publicised British study (the McCann study, 2007) suggested a possible link between the consumption of certain preservatives and artificial colours, including sodium benzoate, and increased hyperactivity in children. Based on these findings, the EFSA recommends warning labels on products containing certain azo dyes. The evidence specifically for sodium benzoate alone is considered less conclusive.

Labelling

In the EU, food products containing E211 must declare this additive in the ingredient list either by its E-number (E211) or by its name (sodium benzoate). This allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of benzoic acid (E 210), sodium benzoate (E 211), potassium benzoate (E 212) and calcium benzoate (E 213) 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; 370(9598):1560-1567.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union.

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