Sodium Benzoate
EATLABEL VERDICT
High Risk
Regulatory scrutiny or health hazard identified
-15 pts
Overview & Primary Purpose
Antimicrobial preservative in acidic foods that can react with ascorbic acid to form carcinogenic benzene.
Official Category: Synthetic Preservative (합성보존료)
3-Nation (KR · US · EU) Regulatory Status
🇰🇷
South Korea (MFDS)
Approved
Strict residual limit in soft drinks
🇺🇸
United States (FDA)
Approved
Monitored for benzene formation with Vitamin C
🇪🇺
European Union (EFSA)
Warning Mandated
Linked to hyperactivity with azo dyes
Commonly Found Foods
Carbonated sodasfruit juicessalad dressingspickles
Safer Clean-Label Alternatives
✓ Potassium sorbate✓ Citric acid
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