Allervibe
E210
Benzoic acid
A weak organic acid used as a preservative against yeasts, moulds and some bacteria in acidic foods.
i Additive Details
| Is E210 Benzoic acid safe?
In acidic products that also contain ascorbic acid (E300), traces of benzene can form under heat or light; manufacturers largely reformulated after this was identified in the mid-2000s. Reactions such as hives or worsened asthma are reported in some people with asthma, urticaria or aspirin sensitivity.
| Uses
Preserves soft drinks, fruit products, pickled vegetables, sauces, dressings and low-sugar jams. Only the undissociated acid is antimicrobial, so it works properly below about pH 4.5. It dissolves poorly in water, so manufacturers usually add one of its more soluble salts instead.
| Interactions
Its salts E211, E212 and E213 all release benzoic acid in food and share a group ADI with it. Frequently combined with sorbic acid or sorbates, which stay active at higher pH and are more effective against moulds.
| Origin
Occurs naturally in cranberries, prunes, cinnamon and cloves, and forms during dairy fermentation. The food-grade additive is made synthetically by oxidising toluene.
| Daily Intake
EFSA's 2016 re-evaluation maintained a group ADI for benzoic acid and benzoates of 5 mg per kg of body weight per day, expressed as benzoic acid.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E226 Calcium sulphite A calcium salt of sulphurous acid with low water solubility, used as a preservative and antioxidant.
- E227 Calcium bisulphite A calcium sulphite that exists only in solution, used as a preservative and antioxidant.
- E228 Potassium bisulphite A potassium sulphite supplied as an aqueous solution and used as a preservative and antioxidant.
- E212 Potassium benzoate The potassium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in acidic foods and drinks.
- E213 Calcium benzoate The calcium salt of benzoic acid, a preservative for acidic foods and beverages.
- E200 Sorbic acid An organic acid used as a preservative, mainly against moulds and yeasts.
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