Additives

Sodium Benzoate (E211): What It Is and Is It Safe?

Hazardous Preservative · Antimicrobial

When combined with Vitamin C - common in fizzy drinks - forms benzene, a Group 1 carcinogen (IARC). Also linked to hyperactivity in children when combined with artificial colours.

Category: Preservative — Antimicrobial
Typically used in: Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, relishes, salad dressings
Regulatory status: Forms benzene with Vitamin C. Hyperactivity link confirmed.
Concerns flagged: Possible allergenCarcinogenicity concernHyperactivity link

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Sources

Where this comes from

EFSA (2016) — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of benzoic acid -E 210-, sodium benzoate -E 211-, potassium benzoate -E 212- and calcium benzoate -E 213- as food additives http://dx.doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4433
McCann et al. (2007) — Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children: randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (Southampton study) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-3

E210 Moderate Benzoic Acid View additive E212 Moderate Potassium Benzoate View additive E209 Limited risk Heptyl p-Hydroxybenzoate View additive E213 Moderate Calcium Benzoate View additive E214 Moderate Ethyl Para-Hydroxybenzoate View additive E215 Moderate Sodium Ethyl Para-Hydroxybenzoate View additive

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Sodium Benzoate (E211): What It Is and Is It Safe?

Where this comes from

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