Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid is a preservative derived from benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon which at room temperature appears as a colorless liquid which evaporates in the air very quickly.
Benzoic acid, in nature, is found in free or combined form; it can be obtained from natural sources, in fact for example it is present in benzoin (see photo), in the balsam of Peru and Tolù , in other balsams, in plums , in yogurt , but in practice it is produced by chemical synthesis starting from the anhydride phthalic.
Almost all commercially available benzoic acid is converted into phenol and caprolactam, compounds used in the plastic industry.
Benzoic acid and its salts are used as food preservatives to combat the action of yeasts and bacteria in foods with an acidic pH; they are usually used in flavored soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, fish preserves, jams, most fruits, especially blueberries , mushrooms, cinnamon , cloves , and some dairy products.
At the concentrations used, there appear to be no side effects on health; However, it may happen that in predisposed subjects, benzoic acid and benzoates can trigger allergic reactions .
Their use in various products is limited, because if present in high concentrations they produce a bitter taste.

The salts of benzoic acid are:

• E211SODIUM BENZOATE →this preservative comes from E210. Thanks to its great solubility, 200 times higher than that of benzoic acid, it is one of the major antimicrobial agents used in foods and drinks; However, it turns out to be harmful, therefore its concentration in products must be a maximum of 0.1%. Recent studies have shown that it can cause negative effects on the liver and brain ; it can also cause skin rashes , asthma and anaphylactic shock . Frequent consumption of foods containing this preservative is not recommended.
• E212POTASSIUM BENZOATE →this preservative derives from E210. It has the function of blocking the growth of mold , some bacteria and the fermentation of products. Its maximum effectiveness occurs in products with a low pH, i.e. less than 4.5, therefore it is present in acidic foods and drinks such as fruit juices , carbonated drinks and pickles.

Potassium benzoate, together with ascorbic acid ( vitamin C ), can form benzene, a known carcinogenic compound.

• E213CALCIUM BENZOATE

ADI DOSE (for benzoic acid and its salts): 5 mg for each kg of body weight .