What is sodium benzoate and is it harmful?

Imagine you’re at a carnival, standing in line for the Ferris wheel. Suddenly your stomach starts churning and you feel like giving up your prized corn dog. Just then a friend hands you something to drink that’s meant to ‘settle’ your stomach – bingo! You gulp it down but while doing so, stare at the list of ingredients on the bottle.

Ahem….Sodium benzoate... what’s that?

Well, don’t worry if you have absolutely no idea because today we will tell you exactly what sodium benzoate is all about and whether or not it’s harmful.

The Definite Definition

Essentially, sodium benzoate is a food preservative that helps prevent bacteria proliferation in acidic foods such as pickles, sodas (oh my beloved soda) etc. Consuming these types of food items can cause bacteria accumulation making them un-hygienic after some time; but Sodium Benzonote ensures they remain safe enough for human consumption. In its natural state (also called free acid) Sodium benzoate doesn’t work well in higher pH levels which means:

  • dropping PH level below 4
  • Then when exposed to water creates an ionized form namely ‘benzoate ion’.
    Congratulations friends! We just got ourselves chemists!

How does it work?

The benzoates proved effective against yeasts and molds however other microorganisms still pose challenges specifically gram-positive bacteria especially Bacillus cereus which causes major nastiness including vomiting & diarrhea( yuck!)

In order for it to kill off microbes effectively Soda Bennie (yes this IS his nickname) requires specific conditions otherwise…well let’s just say he wouldn’t be able to take care of nasty stuff like E.coli – eww wee!

This includes:

1.Use in low pH environments
2.Combined with other preservatives
3.Improve effectiveness through heat treatment.

Health Concerns: The Big Reveal

Let’s get to the meat of the matter-Is it actually harmful? People have a lot of concerns about Sodium Benzoate mainly because of its potential cancerous effects.

Sodium benzoate when taken in high concentrations has proven toxic and benzene (our new lab buddy!) is formed which leads to greater health risks, impairing liver function, kidney disease and even exposing humans to mutated cells that could lead to cancer. But researchers today believe very highly unlikely for this adverse effect from Occurring unless consumed in unreasonable amounts.

So what’s more realistic as a concern?

That many people may experience mild allergic reactions after consuming products containing sodium benzoate. These include but aren’t limited too:

1.Headaches
2.Skin rashes & itching
3.Hyperactivity
4.Nausea and stomach cramps.
These symptoms are relatively uncommon amongst individuals who consume large amounts regularly over long periods of time such as those working within factory settings -who experience levels much higher than those found in common food available on shelves or dine-ins.

Food organizations opinion on NaC7H5O2…what was that again?!

Many governmental organizations across‐the-globe recognize usage limitations based on ongoing risk assessments.

In Europe, The European Union Scientific Committee recognized an acceptable daily energy limit(ADL)or JECFA specifies maximum residue limits – regulatory authorities highlight year upon year revision process continues targeting toxicity thresholds before allowing Sodium Benzonote use by manufacturers & retailers

Granted various scientific journals debate both sides within their literature or online forums segment however going strictly by results cited from certified sources looks like way less molehills anticipated turning up-too good news?!

Final Verdict…

Twist here we come….There’s nothing to worry about consuming products that contain extremely small or moderate amounts of sodium benzoate. The occasional pickle or can of soda won’t do you any harm – curse words are saved for another day, Unfortunately for you-so go ahead and indulge yourself without feeling guilty.

However if have experienced unpleasant health issues after consuming such foods before the best course of action would-be to contact your healthcare provider – although unlikely under even plausible scenarios surrounding regular consumption none-the-less remain mindful when it comes all things concerning diet & overall wellbeing!

Anyway Sodium Benzonote may be a chemist’s dream but Stick with having the odd cheeseburger alongside one chock-full-of-preservatives pickled egg (Do not judge me) It’s worth living life as “King/Queen” than missing out on what makes it fun-just keep in mind this playful Baddie Benzene is lurking around every corner…Can’t have too much fame without some splattered controversy right?!

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