What is Sodium Benzoate? Ingredients, Uses, and Health

Sodium benzoate is an acidic salt used as a food preservative. Sodium benzoate is created by a combination of benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide. Sodium benzoate is used in a large number of foods including salad dressing, jam, fruit juice, pickles, and other foods. When combined with certain other chemicals and vitamins, sodium benzoate can form carcinogens in the form of benzene. Recent scientific studies have shown that sodium benzoate itself can potentially cause damage to mitochondrial DNA within body cells.