Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid is a naturally occurring compound found at low levels in many fruits — particularly cranberries and prunes — as well as in honey and cinnamon. As a food additive (E210), it is used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of moulds, yeasts, and certain bacteria in acidic foods such as fruit juices, carbonated drinks, pickles, salad dressings, and condiments.

JECFA most recently evaluated benzoic acid in 2016 and maintained an ADI of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 70 kg adult this equates to a daily limit of 350 mg. Benzoic acid and its sodium salt E211 share this group ADI. A notable concern is that in acidic beverages containing both a benzoate preservative and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), the two can react under certain conditions to form trace amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen; levels detected have generally been very low.

Benzoic acid is approved in the EU, the United States, and most global markets, though Japan restricts its use. Given the benzene-formation risk in vitamin C-fortified acidic drinks, consumers who frequently purchase such products may benefit from choosing alternatives. Looksee classifies this as a limit additive — safe for occasional consumption but worth being aware of in beverages that also contain vitamin C.