Is E211 Sodium Benzoate Preservative?
When it comes to food and beverage preservation, there is no doubt that E211 sodium benzoate has achieved a lot of fame. This article will explain what sodium benzoate is, where it comes from, its preservation process, and its functions.
At the end of this article, you should have a better perspective of sodium benzoate amongst all the chemical food preservatives and its functionality in today’s food industry.
What is Sodium Benzoate Preservative?
Sodium benzoate Preservative is also known as natrium benzoate, This compound is white powdery in nature and crystalline form and is readily soluble in water. Sodium benzoate or benzoate salt is an artificial product which is synthesized from benzoic acid, which is a natural product found in many food items like fruits, particularly berries, apples, plums, etc.
What is Benzoic Acid？ The Source of Sodium Benzoate
To get a comprehensive view of what sodium benzoate preservative is, it will be pertinent to look at its antecedent, benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid which is a weak organic acid and is present in low concentration in fruits and vegetables. It is also synthesized chemically from benzene by several chemical processes, which ultimately deliver benzoic acid from benzene.
The purified product benzoic acid is then treated with sodium hydroxide usually referred to as sodium hydrate or lye to form sodium benzoate. This neutralization process is what changes benzoic acid to sodium benzoate which is soluble in water and hence can be used in most of the liquid and semi-liquid foods.
The Preservative Principle of Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is effective as a preservative because it prevents the growth of microorganisms such as yeast, mold, and pathogenic bacteria. This sodium benzoate preservative principle is well correlated with the acidity of the environment where sodium benzoate is used. Particularly, the effectiveness of sodium benzoate is maximum in all acidic foods. It works best under moderate pH, say pH 4. 5 or lower. In such environments, the compound transforms into benzoic acid, a form that is known to possess the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
How E211 Sodium Benzoate Works?
Sodium benzoate, when used as a food preservative, dissolves in the food and the presence of acids transforms into benzoic acid. Sodium benzoate is most effective in foods of relatively low pH, certainly not greater than 4. 5. This is so because, at such acidic conditions, benzoic acid cannot dissociate thereby making its penetration through the microorganisms’ cell membranes possible.
When inside the microbial cells, benzoic acid increases the acidity level inside the cell which, in effect, interferes with the functioning of enzymes that are required in the production of energy within the cell. This interference stops the growth and multiplication of the microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of the food product.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite being sodium benzoate safe to use as a good preservative, sodium benzoate in food has its demerits. Its preservative action is highly efficient where it is acidic, and that may not work well where the pH level in the food is high. However, the level of the sodium benzoate preservative allowed in food products is regulated strictly to avoid any health complications.
Depending on the type of food product, sodium benzoate in food is allowed with certain amounts of sodium benzoate as regulated by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other similar agencies which vary from 0. 1% by weight.
The Application of Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is widely used in food and beverage industries as a common preservative. Because it is both versatile and efficient, it is applied in production of a wide variety of products. Listed below are the major sodium benzoate uses in different industries.
Further reading：What is Sodium Benzoate Used for?
1. Food and Beverages
Sodium benzoate uses in food industries mainly as a preservative and is used mostly in foods and drinks that are acidic. We have foods such as soft drinks, fruit juices, jams, pickles, and sauces as a part of drinks and foods with sodium benzoate. Its antimicrobial properties make it possible to preserve some of these products with long shelf lives to ensure that they remain acceptable and safe for human consumption. Therefore, the use of benzoates in foods is of high significance.
2. Personal Care Products
In addition to the food industry, sodium benzoate is also found in the personal care products industry because of its preservative nature. It has been used in cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions for a preservation purpose to inhibit bacterial and fungi growth. This helps to make sure that these products maintain their stability and efficacy all through to the end of their shelf life.
3. Pharmaceuticals
Sodium benzoate serves one essential function in some orally administered pharmaceuticals. It is employed as a preservative in some liquid formulations like solutions, syrups and suspensions. Its antimicrobial properties make it possible to reduce contamination and degradation of the product hence making the product safe and effectual for the patients.
4. Industrial Applications
Sodium benzoate is used in preservation of products throughout industries. It also finds application in the treatment of metal protectants in such applications as in the production of antifreeze and the production of specific plastics and resins. In the above applications, it serves a very important function which is that of preservation of the products to have a longer shelf life.
5. Animal Feed
Animal feed preservation cannot be complete without the use of sodium benzoate. Its main objective is to avoid contamination of feed by molds, yeast and bacteria. Sodium benzoate can control microbial growth to retain the feed’s nutritional content. Its conservation remains a significant factor that influences the general well-being and productivity of animals. Sodium benzoate therefore increases feed product shelf life, hence reducing waste and costs to the farmers. However, sodium benzoate in feed must be kept within recommended limits for the welfare of animals.
6. Pickling Agent
Sodium benzoate is used in pickled foods. It prevents the development of yeast and bacteria in pickled items. Therefore, sodium benzoate maintains the taste, texture and appearance of pickles, olives, and peppers respectively. It is especially applicable where the pickling process is commercial and where there is a need to have a consistent and long-lasting product. Sodium benzoate is preferred in industries because it dissolves easily and is evenly distributed in pickling brine.
Conclusion
Before you opt for a sodium benzoate purchase, whether for use in a local kitchen or in an industrial process, understanding the above information on the chemical is necessary. Sodium benzoate can be bought in powder from different suppliers and the price of sodium benzoate differs depending on its purity, quantity and the producer. While buying sodium benzoate for food consumption, it is advisable to check whether they are meeting the food grade quality. Mondstar welcomes your purchase inquiries.
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1. The necessity of food preservation
2. Preservatives- Ensuring Food Safety and Freshness
