Sodium benzoate
What you need to know
Sodium benzoate stops mould and yeast growing in acidic foods like soft drinks, pickles and sauces. It keeps products safe for longer.
On its own it is considered low concern at normal levels. The main caution is that, combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the same drink, it can form tiny amounts of benzene — a known carcinogen — especially with heat and light.
Manufacturers now control this by limiting the combination, so modern drinks rarely show measurable benzene.
Where it stands, by region
The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.
| 🇦🇺AU / NZ | Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code). |
| 🇪🇺EU | Approved Permitted (EFSA). |
| 🇺🇸US | Approved Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). |
| 🇨🇦CA | Approved Permitted (Health Canada). |
Health evidence
How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.
Sodium salt of benzoic acid (C₆H₅COONa). Effective only in acidic foods (pH < 4.5). ADI 5 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA re-evaluation 2016).