Home » Preservatives » Benzoic Acid (E210)

What is Benzoic Acid (E210)?

Last updated on: 2024-01-01

Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.

7

/10

Moderate Concern

Generally safe in regulated amounts and approved by major regulators; intake monitoring is advised for children.

CTL SAFETY SCORE

A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.

Benzoic acid is an organic acid used as a food preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and moulds. It is the parent compound of the benzoate group and occurs naturally in small amounts in certain fruits and plants, but the benzoic acid used in food additives is commercially produced for consistent purity and effectiveness.

Safety Summary

  • Benzoic acid has been evaluated and approved by major food safety authorities, including FDA, EFSA, WHO/JECFA, and FSSAI.

  • It is a well-established antimicrobial preservative with a long history of regulated use.

  • WHO/JECFA has established a group Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for benzoic acid and benzoates of 0–20 mg per kg body weight per day, expressed as benzoic acid equivalents.

  • Typical dietary exposure is generally within the ADI when used according to permitted limits.

  • Safety considerations mainly relate to high cumulative intake, particularly from preserved beverages.

Who should be cautious?

Children with high intake of preserved beverages, Individuals sensitive to food preservatives, People consuming large quantities of acidic processed foods

Quick Facts

E-Number :

E210

INS Number :

INS-210

Category :

Preservative

Sub-category :

Additive

Origin :

Nature-identical

Used In :

Food

Alternative Names :

210, Benzenecarboxylic acid

Similar Ingredients :

  • Sodium Benzoate(E211), Potassium benzoate(E212), Calcium Benzoate(E213)

Common Products

You may find it in following food products as antimicrobial preservative:

  • Flavoured drinks
  • Fat spreads
  • Dairy fat spreads and blended spreads
  • flour, Confectionery
  • Chewing Gum etc.

Regulatory Approval.

1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)

Status
Usage Limit

Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice)

  • Used in food at levels not to exceed Good Manufacturing Practice; current usage is maximum of approximately 0.1% in food.

2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)

Status
Usage Limit

Approved

  • Group Average Daily Intake (ADI): 5 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as benzoic acid.

3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)

Status
Usage Limit

Approved

  • Maximum permitted levels vary by food category and are expressed as benzoic acid, either singly or in combination with other preservatives.
  • Example limits (as benzoic acid, category-specific):
    •  Fish products: up to 200 mg/kg
    •  Semi-preserved fish: up to 2,000 mg/kg
    • Bakery products: up to 1,000 mg/kg etc.

Health concerns

  • EFSA noted that dietary exposure may exceed the acceptable daily intake in toddlers and children if not monitored.

  • WHO/JECFA evaluations indicate that benzoic acid is not genotoxic or carcinogenic at permitted use levels.

  • As with other benzoates, trace benzene formation may occur in beverages containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under certain storage conditions, which is why strict formulation and storage controls are required by regulators.

Conclusions

Benzoic acid (E210) is a widely approved antimicrobial preservative used to protect acidic foods and beverages. It is considered safe within regulatory limits. Intake monitoring is key in minimizing potential exposure concerns, especially with children.

Q: Why is benzoic acid sometimes considered controversial?
A: Concerns are related to potential dietary intake exceeding the acceptable daily intake in toddlers and children with high consumption of certain foods, not due to inherent toxicity.

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: It is considered safe at regulated levels, but excessive or frequent intake of flavored drinks may exceed recommended exposure limits in children.

Q: Is benzoic acid carcinogenic?
A: EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) found no evidence of carcinogenic or genotoxic effects for benzoic acid or its salts at approved levels in its scientific evaluations.

References

Food And Drugs Administration (US FDA)

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Food Safety And Standardization India (FSSAI)

WHO, Codex And Others