Benzoic Acid / Sodium Benzoate Updated: March 23rd, 2010 | 
| QUESTIONS |
ANSWERS |
| What is this chemical? |
Benzoic acid is a colorless crystalline solid and a weak carboxylic acid.
Although benzoic acid is the more effective antimicrobial agent for preservation purposes, sodium benzoate is used preferably, as it is about 200 times more soluble than benzoic acid. |
| What is its purpose? |
Benzoic acid and its salts are used as a food preservative. Benzoic acid inhibits the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria.
The efficacy of benzoic acid and benzoate is dependent on the pH of the food. Acidic food and beverage like fruit juice (citric acid), sparkling drinks (carbon dioxide), soft drinks (phosphoric acid), pickles (vinegar) or other acidified food are preserved with benzoic acid and benzoates. |
| Where is it found? |
- artificial flavors
- insect repellents
- treatment of fungal skin diseases
- adhesives
- cosmetics
- acidic foods
- toothpastes
- anticorrosives
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| HEALTH CONCERNS |
| Is this chemical a carcinogen? |
No, studies have not shown a connection with either benzoic acid or sodium benzoate. |
| How can it affect me? |
Based on data regarding the amounts of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate produced as a food preservative, FDA (1973) estimated a daily per person intake of 0.9-34 mg for benzoic acid and 34-328 mg for sodium benzoate. At these levels, there are no reports of toxic effects in humans.
A few people experience rash, asthma, runny nose, or anaphylactic shock following oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure to benzoic acid and sodium benzoate. The symptoms appear shortly after exposure and disappear within a few hours, even at low doses. |
| Are there controversial issues? |
Concern has been expressed that benzoic acid and its salts may react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in some soft drinks, forming small quantities of benzene.
Studies on soft drinks and fruit drinks with differing levels of benzoic acid and ascorbic acid suggest that small amounts of benzene could be formed. Laboratory tests prove that under certain reaction conditions benzene is formed from benzoic acid.
For further information on benzene, read our Benzene listing. |
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