Why is sodium benzoate in food?

The development of the food industry has led to the development of food additives. Sodium benzoate food grade is the longest-standing and most used food preservative and is widely used in food products. But it contains toxicity, so Why is sodium benzoate still in food?

Sodium benzoate is an organic fungicide and its best inhibitory effect is in the pH range of 2.5 - 4. When pH > 5.5, it is less effective against many molds and yeasts. The minimum concentration of benzoic acid is 0.05% - 0.1%. The toxicity of it is dissolved in the liver when it enters the body. There are international reports of superimposed poisoning from the use of sodium benzoate as preservative. Although there is not yet a unified understanding, in some countries and regions have been banned provisions, such as the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong has been banned canned food with it. Potassium sorbate, which is less toxic, is widely used. As the water solubility of it is poor, so it is generally made into a good water solubility of sodium benzoate application. It is mainly used for preserving and preventing mold in products such as soy sauce, vinegar, pickles, and carbonated drinks.

In view of the safety concerns, although many countries still allow sodium benzoate as preservative is added to food, the scope of application has become increasingly narrow and the amount of additive is strictly monitored. In the USA, the maximum permitted use of it is 0.1 wt%. The current Chinese national food safety standard GB2760-2016 "Standard for the use of food additives" stipulates a limit for the use of "benzoic acid and its sodium salt", with a maximum limit of 0.2g/kg for carbonated beverages, 1.0g/kg for plant-based beverages and 1.0g/kg for fruit and vegetable juice (pulp) beverages. The purpose of adding food preservatives is to improve food quality, extend shelf life, facilitate processing and preserve nutritional content. The addition of sodium benzoate is permitted and safe as long as it is carried out in accordance with the range of species and the amount of use stipulated by the state.