Antispoilage agent: sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate is one of the most commonly used preservatives. Sodium benzoate, the first chemical preservative approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in foods, is characterized by low cost, lack of color, and relatively low toxicity.

Sodium benzoate is a moderately effective bacteriostatic and fungistatic agent at a pH of 5 or less. It is more water soluble than benzoic acid, but anti-microbial activity is dependent on dissociation to the free acid.

Sodium benzoate as an article of commerce is in the form of a white powder or flakes. It can be mixed dry into liquids and dissolves promptly. Solubility in water is 50 gm/100 ml at 25 °C.

Sodium benzoate remain important in the preservation of mayonnaise and mayonnaise-containing delicatessen products, which as oil in water emulsion, are more susceptible to microbial attack.

Fruit pulp of acid fruit products can be protected by additional of 0.1% to 0.3% of sodium benzoate against mold attack and fermentation.

Sodium benzoate can be used in concentrations of up to 0.1% in the United Sates, whereas other countries allow concentrations as high as 0.25%.
Antispoilage agent: sodium benzoate