What is sodium benzoate

When it comes to sodium benzoate, many people are relatively unfamiliar with it. This item is not uncommon in our lives, and it is also what people often call a preservative. The presence of preservatives in both food and daily necessities is very common, but if these items are used by humans, they will also have an impact on the health of the people. Most people do not know what sodium formate is, so there are some misunderstandings in its use.

1. Definition

Sodium benzoic acid is a white granule or crystalline powder, odorless or with a slight benzoin smell, slightly sweet and astringent taste. Also known as sodium benzoate, with a relative molecular mass of 144.12. It is stable in the air, easily soluble in water, the pH value of its aqueous solution is 8, and it is soluble in ethanol. Benzoic acid and its salts are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, but their antimicrobial effectiveness depends on the pH value of the food. As the acidity of the medium increases, its bactericidal and antibacterial effects increase, while in alkaline media it loses its bactericidal and antibacterial effects. The optimum pH value for corrosion protection is 2.5~4.0.

2. Security

Security

The acute toxicity of sodium benzoate is relatively low, and the maximum no-effect dose (MNL) for animals is 500 mg/kg body weight. However, it can be converted into highly toxic benzoic acid in the acidic environment of the human intestine. Ingestion of benzoic acid and its sodium salt by mice can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, bleeding, paralysis and even death. The toxicity of benzoic acid is achieved by changing the permeability of cell membranes, inhibiting the absorption of amino acids by cell membranes, and inhibiting the activity of enzymes such as lipase through the cell membrane, which is achieved by blocking ATP synthesis.

3. Others

The purpose of adding food preservatives is to improve food quality, extend shelf life, facilitate processing and preserve nutrients. As long as benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are added within the range of varieties and usage amounts specified by the state, it is allowed and safe. Admittedly, my country's legal provisions on food additives are somewhat deficient. As food scientists facing unprecedented public concern about food safety and pressure from businesses pursuing profits, we should conduct argumentation with a responsible scientific attitude, rather than relying on imagination or arbitrarily misinterpreting food preservatives, misleading the public and causing them to lose confidence in the modern food industry or even create panic. If that happens, the development of the food industry and the resolution of food safety issues will be put in a passive position.