Description

What is sodium benzoate?

Sodium benzoate is an ester widely used as a food preservative. It is chemically the sodium salt of benzoic acid, and it exists in the form when dissolved in water. Chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate are used in processed consumables to stem the growth of yeast, bacteria, or any unwanted microorganisms that could spoil food.
Sodium benzoate often used in jams, beverages, salads, relishes, and fruit pies. Benzoic acid is the active ingredient of this preservative; and it occurs naturally in fruits such as apples, plums, and cranberries. Benzoic acid is found in low forms in the fruits mentioned earlier; the sodium benzoate is seen on a food product’s packaging synthesized.

The FDA has long approved the use of sodium benzoate as a food preservative. This was after extensive studies have been done to confirm that the current levels of use or future levels do not constitute a hazard to the health of citizens. Sodium benzoate is best known as a preservative used to extend the shelf life of processed foods and beverages.

How is sodium benzoate produced?

Sodium benzoate is produced from the neutralization of benzoic acid. Its simple mode of production is by reacting benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide, which makes it dissolve in water.

Uses of sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a potent preservative, which mostly used in acidic foods. It also serves the same purposes in cosmetics and medicines. Under these conditions, the chemical converted to benzoic acid, which has fungistatic and bacteriostatic functions.

Sodium benzoate also has pharmaceutical applications; although most of its uses are in the food industry. It is a common chemical substance found in the foods most people consume on a daily. These are the sodas, juice drinks, salsa, pickles and dips.