What is Sodium Benzoate (E211)?
Last updated on: 12/15/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
7
/10
Moderate Concern
Generally safe in regulated limits and approved by all 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.
Sodium benzoate is widely used as a food preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and moulds. It is highly soluble in water, making it suitable for use in beverages and other liquid or semi-liquid foods and helps extend shelf life.
Safety Summary
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Sodium benzoate has been evaluated and approved by major food safety authorities, including FDA, EFSA, WHO/JECFA, and FSSAI.
- It is a widely used antimicrobial preservative with a long history of regulated use.
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WHO/JECFA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg per kg body weight per day, expressed as benzoic acid.
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Normally the dietary exposure is within the ADI when used according to permitted limits.
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Safety concerns mainly relate to high intake if not monitored, particularly from beverages.
Who should be cautious?
Children with high consumption of soft drink,s Individuals sensitive to preservatives, People consuming large quantities of acidic processed foods.
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E211 |
|
INS Number : |
INS-211 |
|
Category : |
Preservative |
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Sub-category : |
Antimicrobial, Antifungal |
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Origin : |
Synthetic (nature-identical derivative) |
|
Used In : |
Food |
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Alternative Names : |
211, Sodium salt of benzoic acid |
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Similar Ingredients : |
Benzoic Acid(E210), Potassium Benzoate(E212), Calcium Benzoate(E213) |
Common Products
You may find it in following food products due to its v
- 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 |
|---|---|
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Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
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2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
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Approved |
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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): |
Health concerns
- EFSA noted that dietary exposure may exceed the acceptable daily intake in toddlers and children hence intake monitoring is advised.
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WHO/JECFA and scientific reviews note that sodium benzoate is not genotoxic or carcinogenic at permitted use levels.
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In beverages containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C), trace formation of benzene may occur under certain storage conditions (heat/light), which is why strict formulation controls are required.
Conclusions
Sodium benzoate (E211) is a widely approved antimicrobial preservative used to protect foods and increase shelf life. It is considered safe when used within regulatory limits, with a clearly defined ADI and decades of controlled use. Potential concerns relate mainly to high cumulative intake, especially in children due to low body weight and frequent consumption of preserved beverages.