Sodium benzoate

What this is

Sodium benzoate is a food additive used as a preservative to prevent spoilage. It’s the sodium salt of benzoic acid (identified as E211 in Europe) and is especially effective in acidic foods and drinks. Fast-food items like soda syrups, salad dressings, pickles, and sauces may contain sodium benzoate to inhibit bacteria and mold. Regulators consider it safe at the small amounts added (the FDA allows up to 0.1% in foods). Most people can consume products with sodium benzoate without issues. However, a few individuals have sensitivity – it can cause allergic reactions (such as skin hives or asthma flare-ups) in those who are susceptible. Some public concerns exist about potential health effects (for example, one UK study linked mixtures of certain artificial colors and sodium benzoate to mild hyperactivity in children), but scientific findings have been mixed. Overall, in the quantities used in fast-food menu items, sodium benzoate is viewed as a low-risk preservative for the general population.

Critical Endpoints

The key endpoints experts review in safety assessments (critical endpoints). This is not a prediction of harm.