sodium benzoate

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What is Sodium benzoate ?

Sodium benzoate is a chemical compound widely used as a preservative in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:   

 

Key Characteristics of Sodium benzoate:

  • Preservative:
    • Its primary function is to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds, thus extending the shelf life of products.   
    • It's particularly effective in acidic environments.

       

       

 

How to select

 

Check the expiry date and food grade mark on the pack of sodium benzoate.It is available in the form of crystals or white powder.

 

Culinary uses

 

" It is effective in most sodas, vinegar, fruit juice, and in mixed ingredients like salad dressing.

" It is additionally used to stop the fermentation process in wines.

" It is used most prevalently in acidic foods such as carbonated drinks (carbonic acid), jams and fruit juices (citric acid), pickles, and condiments.

 

How to store

 

Store sodium benzoate powder in an airtight container.

 

Health benefits

 

" There have been some health concerns about the combination of sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid or vitamin C. When the two are mixed, they can form chemical benzene, which is carcinogenic. However, sodium benzoate on its own is not considered a carcinogen and you would have to consume a huge amount of it in order to have toxic levels in your body.

" Sodium benzoate is a preservative. It is bacteriostatic and fungistatic under acidic conditions.


 

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