Sodium Benzoate Uses

• Sodium benzoate is an important acid type food preservative ,and can also be used as a feed preservative；
• In dye industry, sodium benzoate is used as mordant;
• In plastic industry, sodium benzoate is sued for plasticizer;
• In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium benzoate can be used as fungicide.
• It can be also used as spices and other organic synthesis intermediates.

Benzoic acid in Food

Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are widely used as preservatives in food processing and preservation, and are used in limited quantities in some foods in some countries. Because benzoic acid can function in the free state in food, it is better in strong acid food. Benzoic acid is generally used in carbonated beverages, soy sauce, sauces, preserves and fruit and vegetable drinks. Benzoic acid can be used together with p-hydroxybenzoate in soy sauce and beverage to enhance its effectiveness. Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are often used to preserve highly acidic fruits, jams, beverage syrups and other acidic foods, and can be used in combination with low temperature sterilization to play a synergistic role .

Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are generally restricted to foods with higher protein content. The effect of sodium benzoate on microorganisms is the same as that of benzoic acid, but because it is sodium salt, if it wants to achieve the same bactericidal effect as benzoic acid, it needs to add 1.2 times of benzoic acid.