Preservative · CAS 532-32-1 · EU E211
Sodium Benzoate
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Sodium Benzoate is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #20 of 417.
- #20 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Sodium Benzoate is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #20 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (95th percentile).
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #20 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Sodium Benzoate: 2,142 tracked U.S. products (common band, #20 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 2,142 · #20 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E211 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 532-32-1 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | 5 | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Sodium Benzoate?
Prevents mold and bacteria in acidic foods.
Health Concerns
- Can form benzene (carcinogen) when combined with vitamin C.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (2,142 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 2,142
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Benzoate safe to consume?
Sodium Benzoate scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (2,142 tracked products, #20 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Sodium Benzoate used for in food?
Sodium Benzoate shows up as Soda, fruit juice, pickles, salad dressing in the Preservative class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (2,142 products).
Where does Sodium Benzoate sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #20 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Sodium Benzoate?
The FDA classifies Sodium Benzoate as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E211). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Sodium Benzoate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sodium Benzoate: Can form benzene (carcinogen) when combined with vitamin C.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.