Calcium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is GRAS and approved as E211. The main concerns: (1) it can react with ascorbic acid in beverages to form benzene, a carcinogen — FDA monitors this; (2) the 2007 Southampton Study implicated sodium benzoate alongside azo dyes in childhood hyperactivity, prompting voluntary reformulation by some brands.
What it is
Sodium salt of benzoic acid; white crystalline powder.
Antimicrobial preservative against yeasts, molds, and some bacteria, particularly in acidic foods.
Why it's flagged
- Can form benzene (a carcinogen) in beverages when combined with ascorbic acid under heat/light
- Implicated in 2007 Southampton Study on childhood hyperactivity
What regulators actually say
"Sodium benzoate... is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."
"Benzene can form in beverages containing both benzoate salts (sodium, potassium, or calcium benzoate) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733); FDA monitors benzene formation in beverages
European Union — EFSA
Approved as E211 with ADI 5 mg/kg bw/day
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