Benzoic Acid E210
organic acid — Primarily synthetic.
Benzenecarboxylic acid
CAS: 65-85-0
Factual Regulatory Reference
This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
? Did You Know?
Benzoic Acid occurs naturally in Gum benzoin (natural resin) and Cranberries. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.
Beyond food, Benzoic Acid is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~6 cans of soft drink (355ml at 150mg/L) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Maximum levels typically 150-500 mg/kg; concern about benzene formation when combined with ascorbic acid
United States (FDA)
Maximum usage 0.1%; FDA issued guidance on benzene formation in beverages in 2006
Japan (MHLW)
Use limited to caviar, margarine, soft drinks, syrup, soy sauce, and fruit paste in confectionery
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
Natural Occurrence
An aromatic carboxylic acid that occurs naturally in many plants. First isolated from gum benzoin resin in the 16th century, hence its name. While naturally present in many fruits and spices, commercial benzoic acid is produced synthetically.
Manufacturing
Industrially produced by partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen in the presence of metal catalysts (typically cobalt or manganese compounds). Can also be produced by hydrolysis of benzotrichloride or through the decarboxylation of phthalic acid.
Applications Beyond Food
Used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products
Used as a preservative in liquid medicines; intermediate in drug synthesis
Used in the production of phenol, caprolactam, benzoyl chloride, and plasticizers