E211-SODIUM BENZOATE

E211 - Sodium Benzoate:

Sodium benzoate (E211) is a widely used food preservative in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products.

Usage:

• Preservative: Sodium benzoate is primarily used as a food preservative. It helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds in food, thereby extending their shelf life.

Properties:

• Chemical Formula: The chemical formula of sodium benzoate is C7H5NaO2.
• Solubility: It is highly soluble in water.
• Appearance: It appears as colorless crystals or white powder.

Common Foods:

• Sodium benzoate is used in a variety of foods such as sodas, fruit juices, sauces, jams, pickles, condiments, baked goods, and other processed products.

Safety and Precautions:

• Sodium benzoate is generally considered safe when used in accordance with applicable regulations.
• It is important to adhere to recommended usage limits and not exceed authorized levels.

Possible Reactions:

• Some individuals may be sensitive to sodium benzoate, and allergic reactions may occur in certain people.
• In combination with certain substances, notably vitamin C, it can form benzene benzoate, a potentially carcinogenic substance. This is why sodium benzoate is not always used in products containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C).