Sodium Benzoate E211
organic acid salt — Primarily synthetic.
Sodium benzenecarboxylate
CAS: 532-32-1
Factual Regulatory Reference
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 is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
What Is Sodium Benzoate?
Sodium benzoate (E211) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and one of the most widely used food preservatives globally, effective against yeasts, molds, and bacteria in acidic conditions. It is produced by neutralizing benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide and is found in carbonated beverages, fruit juices, condiments, pickles, and a wide range of processed foods. Sodium benzoate was one of the sodium benzoate was one of the additives used in the 2007 Southampton study on food colors and childhood hyperactivity (mixed with artificial colors), though the study could not attribute effects to sodium benzoate alone. When co-formulated with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in acidic beverages, sodium benzoate can react to form trace levels of benzene; manufacturers have largely reformulated such products. EFSA and JECFA have established a group ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight per day for benzoic acid and its salts.
? Did You Know?
Sodium Benzoate occurs naturally in Cranberries and prunes. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.
Beyond food, Sodium Benzoate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~6 cans of soft drink (355ml) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)
Regulatory Analysis
Sodium benzoate (E211) carries two distinct regulatory debates. The first concerns the 2007 Southampton study (McCann et al., Lancet) which included sodium benzoate in a mixture with six artificial colors and associated the mixture with increased hyperactivity in children; the UK's FSA subsequently recommended voluntary withdrawal of the six colors, but sodium benzoate was not individually implicated since the study design could not isolate its contribution. EFSA's 2009 review concluded the Southampton data did not require regulatory action on E211. The second debate involves benzene formation when sodium benzoate co-exists with ascorbic acid — addressed by FDA guidance in 2006. Both concerns have shaped industry reformulation without leading to regulatory prohibition, as the group ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA/JECFA 2016) was maintained throughout.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Maximum levels typically 150-500 mg/kg; concern about benzene formation when combined with ascorbic acid
United States (FDA)
FDA issued guidance on benzene formation in beverages in 2006
Japan (MHLW)
Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
Natural Occurrence
The sodium salt of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid occurs naturally in some fruits and spices, but the additive is produced synthetically.
Manufacturing
Produced by neutralizing benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Benzoic acid is synthesized from toluene.
Applications Beyond Food
Widely used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products.
Used as a preservative in liquid medicines and cough syrups.
Used in antifreeze and as a corrosion inhibitor.
Safety & Regulatory History
Full Timeline →USDA Bureau of Chemistry studied safety of sodium benzoate in foods, one of the earliest food add...
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...
UK Food Standards Agency found elevated benzene levels in some soft drinks, prompting industry re...
FDA tested 100 soft drinks and found low benzene levels in most products. Manufacturers reformula...
EFSA reviewed benzene formation in beverages, concluded risk is very low when products are proper...
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 wi...
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.