Sodium benzoate (Preservative)
International number (INS/E number) E211
How it's written on Korean labels 안식향산나트륨안식향산안식향산칼륨안식향산칼슘벤조산
What is this additive?
Reports suggest trace benzene can form when it's combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Note Debated in research, or something certain people should watch.
What is it used for?
- Slows the growth of microbes so the food keeps longer.
Safety summary
JECFA acceptable daily intake (ADI): 0–20 mg per kg of body weight per day (evaluated 2021)
A group ADI covering related substances.
In Korea it may be used only within the food-by-food limits in the MFDS Food Additives Code.
Sources: JECFA database (FAO/WHO) · Food Safety Korea (MFDS Food Additives Code, Korean)
Permitted in Korea within legal limits. This is reference information summarized from public regulatory and research sources, not medical advice.
Common in
Soft drinksSauces & dressingsPickled radish & picklesMargarine
Use differs by food type, and products of the same type can have different ingredients.
If you want to avoid it
- Drinks with both sodium benzoate and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) have been reported to form more benzene with heat and light. Store them somewhere cool.
- Chilled products with a short shelf life, or ones labeled “no preservatives” (보존료 무첨가), usually have less.
- On Korean labels, also look for 안식향산, 안식향산칼륨, 안식향산칼슘, 벤조산.
Products with Sodium benzoate
No collected product lists Sodium benzoate yet. We'll show them here as products are added.
Found by matching text in the ingredient list, so some products may be missed or mismatched. Always check the package. This list refreshes once a day.
Related additives
Potassium sorbateParabens (p-hydroxybenzoates)Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)Propionates
Other dictionaries: Additive dictionary · Ingredient dictionary · Allergens