Sodium Benzoate
Medium ConcernAlso known as
The concern
Reacts with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in drinks to form benzene, an IARC Group 1 carcinogen. Also one of the Southampton Six preservatives linked to hyperactivity in children.
What to look for on labels
This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:
- Sodium Benzoate
- sodium benzoate
- e211
- benzoate of soda
Commonly found in
Processed meats, canned foods, packaged snacks, bread, ready meals
Other preservatives to know about
Sodium Nitrite
HIGHIARC classifies processed meat containing nitrites as a Group 1 carcinogen (causes colorectal cancer).
Sodium Nitrate
HIGHConverts to nitrite in the body; linked to colorectal cancer risk when consumed in processed meats.
Butylparaben
HIGHEndocrine disruptor that mimics oestrogen.
Propylparaben
HIGHData sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.