Sodium benzoate reacts with gastric acid in the human body to form benzoic acid. Benzoic acid has a certain degree of toxicity, and long-term consumption can cause chronic benzene poisoning in humans. The main symptoms of chronic benzene poisoning are neurasthenia, such as headache, dizziness, memory loss, insomnia, fatigue, etc.; at the same time, patients may also experience leukopenia, and in severe cases, aplastic anemia.

It is a very commonly used food preservative. It has the effect of preventing deterioration and sourness and extending the shelf life. It is widely used in countries around the world.

There are also antioxidants, phosphates, grease and other preservatives that are harmful to the human body.

Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are widely used as preservatives in food processing and preservation, but are used in limited quantities in some foods in some countries. Since benzoic acid can function in a free state in foods, it is more effective in strongly acidic foods.

Benzoic acid is generally used in carbonated drinks, soy sauce, sauces, preserves, fruit and vegetable drinks, etc. Benzoic acid can be used together with para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters in soy sauce and drinks to achieve synergistic effects. Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are often used to preserve highly acidic fruits, jams, beverage syrups and other acidic foods. They can be used together for low-temperature sterilization to create a synergistic effect.

Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are generally limited to foods with higher protein content. Sodium benzoate has the same effect on microorganisms as benzoic acid, but because it is a sodium salt, to obtain the same bactericidal effect as benzoic acid, the required amount of addition is 1.2 times that of benzoic acid.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia-Applications and Limitations of Sodium Benzoate