What is Sodium Benzoate?

Sodium benzoic is a white granule or crystalline powder. It is odorless or slightly scented with benzoin. It has a slightly sweet taste and astringent taste. Also called sodium benzoate, the relative molecular mass is 144.12. It is stable in air and easily soluble in water. Its aqueous solution has a pH of 8 and is soluble in ethanol. Benzoic acid and its salts are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, but their antibacterial effectiveness depends on the pH of the food. As the acidity of the medium increases, its bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects increase, but it loses its bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects in alkaline media. The optimum pH value for antisepsis is 2.5 ~ 4.0. ^[1]

sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoic is a white granule or crystalline powder. It is odorless or slightly scented with benzoin. It has a slightly sweet taste and astringent taste. Also called sodium benzoate, the relative molecular mass is 144.12. It is stable in air and easily soluble in water. Its aqueous solution has a pH of 8 and is soluble in ethanol. Benzoic acid and its salts are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, but their antibacterial effectiveness depends on the pH of the food. As the acidity of the medium increases, the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects increase, but the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects are lost in alkaline media. The optimum pH value for antisepsis is 2.5 ~ 4.0. ^[1]

[Use 1] Mainly used as food preservative, but also used for making drugs, dyes, etc.

[Use two] Used in the pharmaceutical industry and plant genetic research, and also used as dyes

Mainly used as food preservative, but also used for making drugs, dyes, etc.

Refer to the analysis method specified in GB1902-94.

Method name: Sodium Benzoate-Determination of Sodium Benzoate-Neutralization Titration

Application: This method uses titration to determine the content of sodium benzoate.

This method is applicable to sodium benzoate.

Principle of the method:

Cobalt Naphthenate from Toluene

With reference to the quality index of sodium benzoate specified in the national standard GB 1902-94,

The current food preservatives in China mainly use sodium benzoate and

Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are widely used as preservatives in food processing and preservation, and limited use in some foods in some countries. Since benzoic acid can function in a free state in foods, it works better in strong acid foods. Benzoic acid is generally used in carbonated beverages, soy sauces, sauces, preserves, fruit and vegetable beverages, etc. Benzoic acid can be used with para-hydroxybenzoates in soy sauces and beverages to enhance efficiency. Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are commonly used for the preservation of highly acidic fruits, jams, beverage syrups and other acidic foods. They can be used at low temperature for sterilization and synergy ^[2]

The purpose of adding food preservatives is to improve food quality, extend shelf life, facilitate processing and preserve nutritional ingredients. As long as the benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are added in accordance with the variety range and the amount of use prescribed by the state, it is allowed and safe. It is true that China has some deficiencies in food additive laws and regulations. As a food scientist, in the face of unprecedented public attention to food safety or the pressure of enterprises to pursue interests, they should demonstrate in a responsible and scientific manner instead of imagination. Distorted food preservatives at will, misleading the public, causing the public to lose confidence in the modern food industry and even cause panic. If that is the case, the development of the food industry and the resolution of food safety issues will become passive.