Sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate helps acidic drinks, sauces and other foods resist spoilage. Some sensitive people can develop intolerance or allergic reactions, although an ingredient list alone cannot establish the cause of symptoms. International safety assessments found no genotoxicity concern or indication of cancer potential in the evaluated evidence. JECFA raised its group acceptable daily intake to 20 mg/kg body weight per day in 2021; EFSA’s 2016 assessment set 5 mg/kg, both expressed as benzoic acid.

These values use different evidence and assumptions, and neither is a recommended intake. EFSA’s earlier estimates exceeded its value for some young high consumers, while JECFA found assessed exposure below its newer value. Small recent rat studies reported hormonal and reproductive-tissue changes, but they do not establish infertility from ordinary food use. A 2025 asthma study measured benzoic acid in children and used much higher sodium benzoate exposure in mice, leaving ingredient-specific causation uncertain.

A child trial testing colors together with sodium benzoate could not separate their effects; a later trial testing sodium benzoate separately found no significant behavioral effect. Benzene formation in certain beverages is a separate formulation concern; FDA’s historical survey prompted reformulation, and JECFA judged assessed dietary exposure of little public-health concern.

Research reviewed on September 5, 2026 · 12 sources