Why is sodium benzoate bad

When used in recommended quantities, it poses no direct health risk. When sodium benzoate is in the presence of ascorbic acid — that is, vitamin C — the chemicals may interact and create benzene. Benzene is recognized as a carcinogen and is particularly known for attacking bone marrow. When the matter was uncovered, the manufacturers of these drinks — of course — reformulated them to remove the risk. However, some damage was done to the reputation of sodium benzoate in the process.

What is sodium benzoate? Sodium benzoate is a synthetic chemical produced when benzoic acid, which is found naturally in some fruits and spices, is combined with sodium hydroxide. Since sodium benzoate contains a natural ingredient, it is probably safe, right? In water, the acceptable limit, set by the Environmental Protection Agency , is 5 parts per billion ppb. But this common food additive, which is found in carbonated sodas, fruit juice products, salad dressings, and fermented foods such as vinegar, wine, and pickles, is not natural nor safe.

Sodium benzoate is a sodium salt that is present at extremely low levels in berries, apples, plums, cinnamon, and several other natural foods. But lab-synthesized sodium benzoate and its close relative, benzoic acid are a different story. On the back of a soda can, you can find sodium benzoate in the ingredients list as E, which is the number assigned to it as a food additive.

Sodium benzoate's antimicrobial properties have also made it a common ingredient in many personal products like lotions, shampoos and makeup. It is also used in detergents and other cleaning products, as well as in certain medications, according to the NCBI. Sodium benzoate does not occur naturally, according to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Similarly, sodium benzoate can act as a preservative in certain medications like cough syrup , extending the shelf life of OTC aids.

Sodium benzoate inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, mold and other microbes in food, thus deterring spoilage. It's particularly effective in acidic foods. Here's What You Need to Know. The current safe level of sodium benzoate in food is 0.

Still, sodium benzoate may become a health concern when it is combined with ascorbic acid, aka vitamin C. When combined, sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid — both common ingredients in sodas — can form a chemical called benzene.

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