01 / 04What it is
E211 in plain English
Sodium benzoate is a preservative permitted in acidic foods and soft drinks. In the presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), it can form benzene (a known carcinogen).
Forms benzene when combined with vitamin C.
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
Connected files
See the full library