01 / 04What it is
E210 in plain English
Benzoic acid preserves acidic foods and drinks. With vitamin C it can form tiny amounts of benzene, and it can trigger pseudo-allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Preservative that can form trace benzene with vitamin C; a pseudo-allergen.
02 / 04Why it's used
It buys shelf life.
To inhibit the growth of mould, yeast and bacteria, extending the shelf life of products well beyond what they would otherwise tolerate.
preservative
03 / 04Health concerns
Mixed evidence — worth knowing.
Mixed evidence — some regulators restrict, others permit.
04 / 04Regulatory status
How the world's regulators rule
- Australia · FSANZ
- Permitted
- Banned jurisdictions
- None recorded
- Filtr risk tier
- Moderate
- Filtr score penalty
- −3 points
- Category
- Preservative
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