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DESCRIPTION
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211) is a widely used food-grade preservative known for its antimicrobial properties.
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, which is found naturally in various fruits such as cranberries, prunes, and cinnamon.
CAS NUMBER : 532-32-1
SYNONYMS
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SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)(C7H5NaO2) is a widely used food preservative recognized for its antimicrobial properties.
This review explores its chemical properties, production processes, mechanisms of action, applications, regulatory aspects, toxicology, and environmental impact.
Emphasis is placed on its efficacy, safety, and alternatives to meet evolving food industry and consumer demands.
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)is a sodium salt of benzoic acid commonly utilized in food and beverage preservation.
Approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA and EFSA, SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)inhibits microbial growth in acidic environments, ensuring product stability and shelf life.
This article provides a detailed analysis of its properties and roles in the food industry.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The discovery of benzoic acid's preservative effects dates back to the 19th century.
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)emerged as a preferred derivative due to its solubility and ease of use.
Over the decades, its application has expanded across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
RELEVANCE IN MODERN FOOD PRESERVATION
With increased consumer demand for minimally processed foods, SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)plays a critical role in maintaining quality and safety in products susceptible to microbial spoilage.
CHEMİCAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
Molecular formula: C7H5NaO2
Molecular weight: 144.11 g/mol
Structural composition: Benzene ring bonded to a carboxylate group with a sodium ion.
SOLUBILITY AND STABILITY
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)is highly soluble in water (630 g/L at 20°C) and moderately soluble in ethanol.
It demonstrates stability under a wide pH range, with optimal antimicrobial activity in acidic conditions (pH < 4.5).
REACTIVITY
While relatively inert under normal conditions, SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)can react with ascorbic acid to form benzene under specific circumstances, a concern addressed in subsequent sections.
PRODUCTION AND SYNTHESIS
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)is synthesized by neutralizing benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide.
The reaction produces a crystalline or granular product that undergoes quality checks for food-grade certification.
RAW MATERIAL SOURCES
Benzoic acid, derived from petroleum-based toluene oxidation, serves as the primary precursor.
Alternative sources, such as biomass-derived benzoic acid, are being explored for sustainability.
PURITY STANDARDS
Food-grade SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)must comply with international standards, including the Food Chemicals Codex and European Pharmacopeia.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)disrupts microbial cellular processes by:
Diffusion into cells in its protonated form.
Acidification of intracellular pH.
Inhibition of enzymes critical for microbial metabolism.
SPECIFICITY
Its efficacy varies across microorganisms, showing robust activity against yeasts, molds, and certain bacteria.
APPLICATIONS
FOOD INDUSTRY
Beverages: Preserves acidic drinks like sodas and fruit juices.
Condiments: Extends shelf life of sauces and dressings.
Bakery Products: Prevents fungal growth in baked goods.
PHARMACEUTICAL AND COSMETIC INDUSTRIES
Sodium benzoate ia Used as a preservative in liquid medications and personal care products.
EMERGING APPLICATIONS
Potential use in biodegradable packaging and functional food formulations.
REGULATORY AND SAFETY ASPECTS
ACCEPTABLE DAILY INTAKE (ADI)
Established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): 0-5 mg/kg body weight.
GLOBAL REGULATIONS
United States: Recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
European Union: Permitted under E number E211 with concentration limits.
HUMAN HEALTH IMPACTS
Allergic Reactions: Rare but documented.
Behavioral Effects: Controversial links to hyperactivity in children.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
BIODEGRADABILITY
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)is readily biodegradable, minimizing its environmental footprint.
ECOTOXICITY
Limited data suggest low toxicity to aquatic organisms, although excessive discharges should be avoided.
ALTERNATIVES AND INNOVATIONS
NATURAL PRESERVATIVES
Examples: Rosemary extract, nisin.
Advantages: Consumer preference for natural labels.
ADVANCED FORMULATIONS
Encapsulation technologies and synergistic preservative blends enhance efficacy while reducing concentrations.
SODIUM BENZOATE (E211)remains indispensable in food preservation due to its efficacy, safety, and economic viability.
Continuous research into its safety, alternative solutions, and sustainable production methods ensures its relevance in the evolving food landscape.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT SODIUM BENZOATE FOOD GRADE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
