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Sodium Benzoate- What’s the Fuss?



Sodium benzoate is a widely used preservative in the food, beverage and cosmetic industry due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is a preservative added to food in strictly defined doses- its role is to inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Sodium Benzoate has a high safety profile and does not accumulate in the body. So whats the fuss?

The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) surveyed almost 200 samples of soft drinks and other beverages for benzene, and found a small number of products sampled contained more than 5 parts per billion (ppb) of benzene. Benzene is a volatile organic compound and a recognized human carcinogen.


So how did soft drinks test positive for Benzene?

The formation of benzene from sodium benzoate in soft drinks is a complex process that typically requires the presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and certain environmental conditions.

The reaction can be summarized as follows:

- Sodium benzoate reacts with ascorbic acid.

- This reaction is facilitated by heat and light.

- Trace metals like copper and iron can act as catalysts, speeding up the reaction.

Benzoate salts also are naturally present in some fruits and their juices, such as cranberries. Vitamin C may be present naturally in beverages or added to prevent spoilage or to provide additional nutrients.


Several factors influence the likelihood and extent of benzene formation:

Temperature: Higher temperatures accelerate the reaction, increasing the risk of benzene formation.

Light: Exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, can also promote the reaction.

pH Levels: Lower pH levels (more acidic conditions) are more conducive to the formation of benzene.

Trace Metals: The presence of metals like iron and copper can act as catalysts, enhancing the reaction rate.


To mitigate the risks associated with benzene formation, several steps can be taken:

-Avoid using sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid together in products, especially those prone to high temperatures and light exposure. (Sodium benzoate is a common preservative in skincare products; Vitamin C serum is also widely used in skincare)

-Explore alternative preservatives that do not pose the same risk of benzene formation.

-Consumers should store soft drinks in cool, dark places to minimize the reaction between sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid.


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