Sodium Benzoate Powder

Sodium benzoate is a man-made, odorless, crystalline powder that is used as a preservative in food, cosmetics, and medicines:

• Food preservative: Sodium benzoate is used in many foods, including jams, jellies, sauces, mayonnaise, margarine, and carbonated drinks. It prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast, and helps keep products shelf-stable for at least two years. The FDA limits the concentration of sodium benzoate in food to 0.1% by weight.
• Cosmetic ingredient: Sodium benzoate is used in cosmetics to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of products.
• Medicine preservative: Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in some medicines.
• Other uses: Sodium benzoate can also be used as a test for liver function.

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, which is found in many plants, including cinnamon, cloves, tomatoes, berries, plums, apples, and cranberries. Certain bacteria also produce benzoic acid when fermenting dairy products like yogurt.