SEVERE — -8 pts

Sodium Benzoate

Flags: F-O05, D-O04, D-R09

Also known as: E211, Benzoate of soda

Kids Food & SnacksKids Beverages

What it is

Sodium benzoate is a widely used preservative in acidic foods and beverages including soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, and condiments. When combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in beverages, it can form benzene, a known human carcinogen.

CAUTION (alone) / SEVERE (with vitamin C)

Two concerns: (1) the Southampton Study linked sodium benzoate to hyperactivity in children, and (2) FDA has documented benzene formation when sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid coexist in beverages, particularly under heat and light exposure.

Why it matters

Benzene formation: reacts with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to form benzene, a Group 1 carcinogen (IARC)
Hyperactivity: included in the Southampton Study dye/preservative mixtures that increased hyperactivity in children
Potential genotoxicity at high concentrations
Allergic reactions including urticaria and exacerbation of asthma in sensitive individuals

The research

Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children (Southampton Study)

McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. The Lancet, 2007. 370(9598):1560-1567 PMID: 17825405 [Source]

"Mixtures containing sodium benzoate and artificial colors significantly increased hyperactivity in both age groups of children"

Data on Benzene in Soft Drinks and Other Beverages

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA, 2006. FDA survey results [Source]

"FDA confirmed benzene formation in beverages containing sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid, with some products exceeding the EPA drinking water standard of 5 ppb"

Who should care most

Children consuming beverages containing both sodium benzoate and vitamin C (common in fruit drinks and juice cocktails). Children with ADHD predisposition (hyperactivity link).

How other countries handle it

Country	Status
United States	Permitted. FDA GRAS at 0.1% maximum. FDA has worked with manufacturers to reformulate products with high benzene levels.
European Union	Permitted (E211) with mandatory warning when combined with certain azo dyes.
Canada	Permitted.
Australia	Permitted as E211.

Sources

Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children (Southampton Study). McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. The Lancet, 2007. 370(9598):1560-1567. PubMed 17825405
Data on Benzene in Soft Drinks and Other Beverages. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA, 2006. FDA survey results. https://www.fda.gov/food/chemicals/questions-and-answers-occurrence-benzene-soft-drinks-and-other-beverages

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.