Is Sodium Benzoate Preservative Safe?

Sodium benzoate is a common food preservative in many products from sodas to jams to salad dressings. Its job is to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.

But is sodium benzoate preservative safe to consume? This common preservative has come under scrutiny over potential health risks like cancer and its effects on hormones.

In this post, we'll dive into sodium benzoate preservative, covering topics like:

?What sodium benzoate is and what it does

?FDA guidelines on safety limits

?Potential health risks

?Major health organization stances

?Natural preservative alternatives

Let's start with the basics of this controversial ingredient.

What is Sodium Benzoate Preservative?

Sodium benzoate E211 is a white, odorless powder produced by the chemical reaction of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Sodium benzoate preservative job as an additive is to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in acidic foods and extend shelf life.

Some examples of products containing sodium benzoate are:

?Sodas and fruit juices

?Salad dressings and marinades

?Jams, jellies, and fruit preserves

?Pickles, relish, olives

?Soy sauce, vinegar, teriyaki sauce

?Ketchup, BBQ sauce, hot sauce

So if you look at nutrition labels, check ingredient lists for sodium benzoate or E211.

Fun fact: Benzoic acid occurs naturally in some fruits like cranberries, prunes, and apples. Still, large-scale production of its salt sodium benzoate relies on industrial processes.

How Much Sodium Benzoate Preservative is Safe?

Sodium benzoate is approved globally as a safe food additive. Organizations like the FDA, WHO, and UK FSA have set intake guidelines:

The?FDA allows up to 0.1%?of food products to be incorporated. At this level, sodium benzoate is?Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Higher levels require FDA pre-approval.

The?WHO concluded that 5 mg/kg body weight per day is possible without harm. This?Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)?marker is considered lifetime exposure.

The?UK Food Standards Agency (FSA)?also established a group ADI of?5 mg/kg bw/day. Their report stated amounts used in food were?not a health concern for adults or children.

Note that pure sodium benzoate is corrosive and irritant. These health agencies set ingestion limits based on its use as an additive blended into foodstuffs.

Potential Sodium Benzoate Preservative Health Risks

A common question around additives like these is:?"Could sodium benzoate negatively impact health even within approved limits?"

Here we'll cover the major health concerns brought up by research:

1. Benzene Exposure and Cancer Risk

One worry is that sodium benzoate could break down into benzene - a chemical linked to cancer. Studies show this happens upon reacting with vitamin C and exposure to heat or light.

However, FDA product testing found?benzene levels within federal limits of 5 ppb?(parts per billion). So amounts formed don't pose a risk as of now. Still, it's wise to limit exposure to food and other sources like car exhaust.

To be safe,?check your diet soda doesn't list both ingredients. These are more prone to benzene development.

2. Impact on Gut Health and Inflammation

Recent research indicates sodium benzoate may influence gut health and inflammation.

One study in mice showed changes to gut microbiota and promotion of obesity. However, humans differ in how we metabolize additives.

In human trials, participants had increased inflammatory marker levels and gut permeability from benzoate-containing beverages. The clinical effects of long-term, low-dose exposure are still unclear though.

3. Hormone Disruption Concerns

Preliminary reports suggest sodium benzoate preservative exposure may alter hormone levels. Specifically, it impacted reproduction hormones like testosterone and estradiol production.

However, current results come from isolated lab tests. More studies replicating effects are necessary to confirm influences on actual hormone levels.

4. Aggravating ADHD and Hyperactivity

A few research papers hypothesize sodium benzoate as a dietary trigger for ADHD or hyperactivity.

A study giving kids sodas with benzoates noted increased hyperactivity reversed by stopping intake. Similar behavioral observations occurred in college students drinking beverages with sodium benzoate.

Even so, data directly linking benzoate exposure to attention disorders is limited. Larger trials are required to establish solid ties to hyperactivity and rule out other factors at play.

5. Allergic Reactions

A small subset of people demonstrate sensitivity reactions to sodium benzoate with symptoms like hives, swelling, and irritation.

However, allergy prevalence seems low from eating it in food. Rates may be higher with dermal exposure from personal care products.

Of course, anyone experiencing signs of an allergic reaction should avoid further contact with this or related preservatives.

So in summary, added sodium benzoate?might?pose concerns like...

?Cancer risk from benzene formation ? Seems low at allowed levels

?Altering gut microbes and inflammation ? Some studies, but more needed

?Hormone changes ? Limited lab research so far

?Exacerbating hyperactivity disorders ? Possible role but not definitive

?Allergic reactions in sensitive folks ? Small subset affected

Health Organization Stances on Sodium Benzoate Preservative Safety

Major public health groups generally consider regulated benzoate harmless. But some still suggest limiting exposure from food as a precaution.

The?FDA?and?UK FSA?approve sodium benzoate as a GRAS preservative. They permit its addition for anti-microbial purposes given usage follows set limits.

Health Canada?has approved sodium benzoate use as well but recommends?avoiding combining with ascorbic acid?to restrict benzene development.

The?European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)?published a re-evaluation supporting its safe addition at legal levels to control microbes. Their report reaffirmed WHO's group ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight set for lifetime ingestion without expectation of harm.

The EFSA did note that exceeded amounts from food could impact?regulation of neurotransmitters?involved in ADHD. More data is required though to establish effects on behavioral disorders.

Food additives watchdogs like the Center for Science in the Public Interest?maintain a moderate, "moderate hazard" stance. They suggest?restricting intake for children?as a sensible precaution.

Agencies permit regulated benzoate for preservation but advise:

?Avoid mixing with citric/ascorbic acid → forms benzene

?Limit kids' exposure as a safety measure

Natural Sodium Benzoate Preservative Alternatives

While deemed "generally safe" by regulators, some health-conscious folks aim to avoid sodium benzoate.

Fortunately, various natural preservatives can sub in to control mold and spoilage. Common options include:

1. Ascorbic Acid

Also called vitamin C,?ascorbic acid ?works as an antioxidant to prevent browning of cut fruits and vegetables. It supports food preservation by limiting oxidative damage during storage.

Citrus fruits and green vegetables contain high natural concentrations. Alternatively, powdered L-ascorbic acid makes a safe, non-toxic additive.

2. Citric Acid

Citric acid?brings sour flavor but importantly impedes decomposition from microbes. Occurring abundantly in citrus fruits, it's sometimes extracted for use as a natural preservative.

Add it to homemade jams, jerky recipes, even eco-friendly cleaners. Just avoid combining citric acid with sodium benzoate due to health concerns noted earlier.

3. Vinegar

As a fermented, acidic liquid,?vinegars?introduce antimicrobial activity to recipes. Both white distilled and apple cider vinegar help conserve canned salsas, fruit syrups, chilled soups and more.

With varieties like rice, red wine, balsamic - take your pick! Bottled vinegars work nicely as homemade preservatives.

4. Salt

Lastly, don't underestimate?salt! Sodium chloride inhibits bacterial development through the process of osmosis. Curing meats, pickling vegetables, even salting butters and cheeses helps prolong freshness and shelf life.

Conclusion

Sodium benzoate preservative enjoys broad use for its economical, low-risk antimicrobial abilities. When following regulatory intake limits, most evidence supports its safety. If aim to cut down, viable alternatives do exist.

Hope this helps explain the sodium benzoate preservative, its purpose, and precautions.