Origin
The production of the preservative for use in the food industry is artificially manufactured. E 211 is synthesized from benzoic acid in a chemical process. The final result is then benzoic acid as a crystalline white solid substance. Sodium benzoate is flammable, soluble in water, and odorless.
Usage
Due to its flammable properties, sodium benzoate is also used outside the food industry in pyrotechnics. E 211 is used due to its similar properties to the preservative benzoic acid. Therefore, it can be found primarily in long-lasting foods such as ketchup, mustard, margarine, sausages, canned fish, chewing gum, mayonnaise.
Risks
Sodium benzoate not only triggers allergies like hives or allergic asthma but is also said to have a negative impact on the liver fat metabolism. According to recent findings, E 211 also has adverse effects on the concentration of children and adults. Moreover, sodium benzoate is associated with hyperactivity problems in children such as ADHD. The legislator prohibits, among other things, the addition of E 211 in dog and cat food. For example, just 5 per mille of sodium benzoate can be lethal to cats.