Many health conscious Americans watch for additives in their food and other products and consider their possible negative effects. One additive that has come under scrutiny is sodium benzoate, used as a preservative in many products.
The first additive to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, sodium benzoate prevents mold in foods ranging from fruit juices and condiments to salad dressings and snacks. It is also used to protect flavor in soft drinks and keep them microbe-free. In addition, shampoos, cosmetics, and skin care products take advantage of its preservative properties.
Investigators are examining potential health risks, especially when sodium benzoate converts into benzene, a chemical proven to cause cancer. In the 1990s, the FDA ordered soft drink manufacturers to eliminate sodium benzoate or reduce it to specific levels because it combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in sodas to form benzene. The makers complied. However, benzene remains a cancer risk, since it is found in gasoline, cigarette smoke, detergents, and other products.
The use of sodium benzoate by itself is the subject of much research. Sodas that still contain it have been connected to ADHD, and some people may experience allergic reactions, such as itching and swelling, after exposure. Animal studies indicate sodium benzoate may promote cancer-causing inflammation or reduce appetite control, while test tube studies indicate high concentrations may create free radicals that can cause chronic diseases. Still, the FDA has rated the chemical as safe when consumed in normal amounts.
