| Sodium Benzoate |
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Sodium benzoate ('''E211'''), also called '''benzoate of soda''', has Chemical Formula 65. It is the sodium salt of Benzoic Acid and exists in this form when dissolved in Water . It can be produced by reacting Sodium Hydroxide with benzoic acid. As a Food Additive it is used as a Preservative , effectively killing most yeasts, bacteria and fungi. Sodium benzoate is effective only in acidic conditions (pH < 3.6) making its use most prevalent in foods such as preserves, salad dressings ( Vinegar ), carbonated drinks ( Carbon Dioxide ), jams ( Citric Acid ), fruit juices ( Citric Acid ), and Chinese Food sauces (soy, mustard, and duck). It is also found in alcohol-based mouthwash. It is found naturally in Cranberries , Prunes , greengage Plums , Cinnamon , ripe Cloves , and Apples . Concentration as a preservative is limited by the FDA in the U.S. to 0.1% by weight though organically grown cranberries and prunes can conceivably contain levels exceeding this limit. Some believe the limit is 0.1% because larger amounts are poisonous, however, the International Programme on Chemical Safety found no adverse effects in humans at doses of 647-825 mg/kg of body weight per day. {Link without Title} Cats have a significantly lower tolerance against benzoic acid and its Salts than Rats and Mice . {Link without Title} Because of this the use of sodium benzoate in animal food is forbidden. MECHANISM OF FOOD PRESERVATION The mechanism starts with the absorption of benzoic acid in to the cell. If the intra cellular PKa changes to 5 or lower the Anaerobic Fermentation of Glucose through phosphorfructokinase is decreased by 95%. {Link without Title} SAFETY AND HEALTH In combination with Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C), sodium (and potassium) benzoate can form Cancer causing Benzene . Heat, light and shelf life can affect the rate benzene is formed. The FDA is currently (as of March 2006) perfoming tests, but the Environmental Working Group is calling for FDA to publicly release all tests and use their authority to force companies to reformulate to avoid the benzene forming combination [http://www.ewg.org/issues/toxics/20060404/index.php]. See also Benzene In Soft Drinks . REFERENCES # 1 # Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 26: BENZOIC ACID AND SODIUM BENZOATE # 2 # 3 PMID 4672555 EXTERNAL LINKS
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