Different Types of Food Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate FAQ

Food preservatives can be described by their composition, preservative function, and intended food use. The product is sodium benzoate, an acidic preservative and antiseptic classified as an inorganic chemical preservative.

What type of food preservative is sodium benzoate?

Sodium benzoate is identified as an acidic food preservative. The published product information also describes its effect as antiseptic and classifies it as an inorganic chemical preservative. It is supplied as a white granule or crystalline powder and is soluble in water. Its preservative performance is described as stronger in acidic food environments than in alkaline media. [Source: ref-1; ref-2]

Which foods can use sodium benzoate according to the product information?

The applications include sauces, pickles, jam, preserved beancurd, fruit juice, soda pop, and various canned foods. Non-food applications include pharmaceutical anticorrosion, toothpaste, inkpad, paste, adhesive, and organic chemical industries. Actual use must be assessed against the requirements that apply to the finished product and market.

How does acidity affect sodium benzoate as a food preservative?

The published information states that the antimicrobial effect of benzoic acid and its salts increases as the food medium becomes more acidic and is lost in alkaline media. It identifies a best preservative pH range of 2.5 to 4.0. This range is product information, not a dosing instruction; buyers should confirm suitability for their specific formulation and applicable local requirements. [Source: ref-1; ref-2]

What specifications and packing options are published for this sodium benzoate product?

The listed quality standard is GB1902-05, with content of at least 99.0%, water content of no more than 1.5%, chloride of no more than 0.03%, heavy metals of no more than 0.001%, arsenic of no more than 0.0002%, and sulphate of no more than 0.10%. The published packing options are 25 kg per bag and 1 MT per bag. The same excerpt lists ocean and land transportation and Qingdao as the port. Buyers should confirm the applicable specification, documentation, and commercial terms for their order before purchase. [Source: ref-1; ref-2]