Disclaimer: This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and may change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
Sodium Benzoate
E211 | INS 211
Names & Identifiers
- E Number
- E211
- INS Number
- 211
- CAS Number
- 532-32-1
- Scientific Name
- Sodium benzenecarboxylate
- Japanese Name
- 安息香酸ナトリウム
- Also Known As
- Benzoate of soda
Regulation Status by Country
European Union
Status: approved | Max level: varies by food category mg/kg
Maximum levels typically 150-500 mg/kg; concern about benzene formation when combined with ascorbic acid
United States
Status: approved | GRAS
FDA issued guidance on benzene formation in beverages in 2006
Japan
Status: approved | Category: 指定添加物
Australia / New Zealand
Status: approved | Code: 211
Canada
Status: approved
What is Sodium Benzoate?
Classification
Function: preservative
Type: organic acid salt
Source: synthetic
Natural Occurrence
The sodium salt of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid occurs naturally in some fruits and spices, but the additive is produced synthetically.
Found in: Cranberries, prunes, cinnamon, cloves
How It's Made
Method: chemical synthesis
Produced by neutralizing benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Benzoic acid is synthesized from toluene.
Uses Beyond Food
- Cosmetics: Widely used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products.
- Pharmaceutical: Used as a preservative in liquid medicines and cough syrups.
- Industrial: Used in antifreeze and as a corrosion inhibitor.
Commonly Found In
Sodium Benzoate is typically used in:
Note: This list shows typical product categories and may vary by brand and region. Always check product labels for actual ingredients.
Safety Evaluations (Official)
JECFA (WHO/FAO)
ADI: 0–5 mg/kg bw/day (for benzoic acid and its salts)
Evaluated: 2016
EFSA (EU)
ADI: 5 mg/kg bw/day (group ADI for benzoic acid and benzoates)
Evaluated: 2016
ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)
ADI in Everyday Terms
For a 60 kg adult, the JECFA ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day equals approximately 300 mg per day.
This is roughly equivalent to:
- ~6 cans of soft drink (355ml) (typical: ~50 mg per serving)
Research & Official Documents
Official evaluations and scientific research:
Search research databases:
Regulatory History
View Full Timeline →Key regulatory events and safety evaluations over time.
USDA Bureau of Chemistry studied safety of sodium benzoate in foods, one of the earliest food additive evaluations.
Sodium benzoate affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) under FDA Food Additives Amendment.
Research identified that sodium benzoate can react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in beverages to form benzene, a known carcinogen.
UK Food Standards Agency found elevated benzene levels in some soft drinks, prompting industry reformulations.
FDA tested 100 soft drinks and found low benzene levels in most products. Manufacturers reformulated products with higher levels.
EFSA reviewed benzene formation in beverages, concluded risk is very low when products are properly formulated and stored.
EFSA re-evaluated benzoic acid and benzoates (E210-E213), established group ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day.
Sodium benzoate remains approved worldwide. Industry guidelines recommend avoiding combination with ascorbic acid or controlling pH and storage to minimize benzene formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sodium Benzoate (E211)?
Sodium Benzoate (E211) is a preservative used in food products. It is organic acid salt and synthetic. The sodium salt of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid occurs naturally in some fruits and spices, but the additive is produced synthetically.
Where is Sodium Benzoate found naturally?
Sodium Benzoate is naturally found in Cranberries, prunes, cinnamon, cloves. The sodium salt of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid occurs naturally in some fruits and spices, but the additive is produced synthetically.
What is the ADI for Sodium Benzoate?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Sodium Benzoate is 0–5 mg/kg bw/day (for benzoic acid and its salts) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
What foods contain Sodium Benzoate?
Sodium Benzoate is used in various food categories including Flavoured drinks, Semi-preserved fish products. It is used as a preservative in these products.
Related Additives
Other preservatives in our database: