E211 / Preservatives
Sodium benzoate
Safety in brief
Safe in moderation
Recorded EatMatrix rating, not a new clinical review. The amount, your sensitivities and country rules still matter.
- Watch for
- Recorded sensitivities: benzoate sensitivity.
- Our advice
- Sodium benzoate was mixed with colours in the Southampton trial, while the Hong Kong trial tested it separately and found no significant adverse behaviour difference. Neither justifies saying all children react. E211 is a preservative and is not one of the six colours in the UK colour-warning list.
What it is
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, used as an antimicrobial preservative most effective in acidic foods and drinks such as soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, and sauces. It is authorised in many countries with maximum permitted levels, and regulatory bodies apply a group acceptable daily intake for benzoic acid and its salts.
Also appears on labels as: E211, E 211, E-211, Sodium benzoate, Benzoic acid sodium salt, Sodium salt of benzoic acid, INS 211, NaC6H5COO, Food preservative 211, Preservative sodium benzoate, Benzoate of soda, Benzoate sodium.
Is sodium benzoate (E211) the same as potassium sorbate (E202)?
No. E211 identifies sodium benzoate, while E202 identifies potassium sorbate. They are different additives. Match the name or E number on your ingredient list to the corresponding entry.
| E number | Ingredient name |
|---|---|
| E211 | Sodium benzoate (this entry) |
| E202 | Potassium sorbate: read the ingredient entry |
EFSA's cited opinions cover different additive families: Benzoic acid and benzoates (E210–E213), 2016, and Sorbic acid (E200) and potassium sorbate (E202), 2019.
Start with the ingredient printed on your label. EatMatrix can help you explore its information; scanning does not measure the quantity present in a product.
What is E211 sodium benzoate doing in food?
E211 identifies sodium benzoate, a preservative. Its antimicrobial function helps limit food spoilage. A useful food-preservation function does not establish a health benefit from consuming the ingredient or a health verdict for the whole product.
Sodium benzoate is a sodium salt of benzoic acid. E210 identifies benzoic acid; E211 identifies sodium benzoate. It is also different from E202 potassium sorbate. Keep the exact name, code and full label when comparing products. The ingredient list does not reveal the amount consumed or certify vegan, halal or allergy suitability.
US 21 CFR 184.1733 specifies good manufacturing practice and describes current use with a maximum level of 0.1% in food. It says FDA has not determined whether substantially different use conditions would qualify as GRAS. This is a food-use provision, not a personal daily intake limit or a limit for every benzoate. The eCFR text was current through October 5, 2026 when checked. The GB register lists E211 as authorised in England, Scotland and Wales, record updated April 1, 2025; food-category conditions and specifications still apply. Other markets remain unverified here.
- FSA additive names and E numbers (June 25, 2026)
- FDA ingredient record: sodium benzoate identity and food functions
- US use provision: 21 CFR 184.1733, sodium benzoate
- FSA register: E211 Great Britain authorisation and conditions
See how EatMatrix reads an ingredient list before trying the app. Compare a scan with the physical label.
Identity and food-use sources checked . The E number alone does not tell you the amount in a product. Wider scientific and market checks are described below.
Dietary information
- Vegan
- Yes
- Halal
- Yes
- Gluten-free
- Yes
- Allergens
- Caution
Recorded ingredient information. Check the product label or certification: sources, other ingredients and cross-contact can vary.
Research & body effects
What behaviour and body-effect studies mean for E211
Children’s activity and attention: what the mixture trial can tell us
The 2007 Southampton crossover trial included 153 three-year-olds and 144 children aged eight or nine. Children received a placebo drink or one of two drinks containing several colours plus sodium benzoate. Thirty children did not complete the study. Behaviour scores increased in some comparisons, but findings depended on age, mixture and which participants were analysed.
This ingredient was in at least one tested mixture. The study cannot tell us which ingredient, or combination, produced a change. A higher behaviour score is not a new diagnosis of ADHD, and the result does not mean that every child responds.
Southampton trial: colour and sodium-benzoate mixtures. Indexed abstract and EFSA’s subsequent assessment read. The timeline uses the journal issue date. An indexed November 2007 erratum and commentary were identified; their complete texts and the full trial methods remain to be reviewed. Exact effect estimates are not reproduced.
An earlier trial found different results at home and in the clinic
A 2004 study selected 277 preschool children after screening for hyperactivity and allergy-related traits. The challenge combined tartrazine, sunset yellow, carmoisine and Ponceau 4R with sodium benzoate. Parents reported more hyperactive behaviour with the mixture than with placebo; the clinic assessments did not detect that difference. It cannot isolate this ingredient’s effect.
Preschool trial: four colours plus sodium benzoate. Indexed abstract read; mixture membership cross-checked in OEHHA’s trial table. June 2004 is the journal issue month. A 2005 rejoinder and erratum is indexed (PMID 16040891); its complete correction text and the trial’s full methods remain pending.
A later trial found no significant adverse behaviour difference
In a 2013 randomized crossover trial, 130 children in Hong Kong, aged about eight or nine, received a four-colour mixture, sodium benzoate separately, and placebo capsules. Neither active capsule significantly worsened the two behaviour scores compared with placebo. The colour mixture contained E102, E110, E122 and E124.
This is useful contrary evidence, including a separate benzoate comparison. A small, short study cannot rule out a smaller effect or a response in a particular child. The abstract does not replace a full appraisal of the analyses, and the colour mixture still does not isolate one colour.
Hong Kong trial: colour mixture and benzoate tested separately. Indexed abstract read; tested colour membership cross-checked in OEHHA’s trial table. November 2013 is the journal issue month. Full methods, statistical comparisons and declarations remain pending.
What EFSA said about the Southampton study
In 2008, EFSA judged the evidence for a small mixture effect to be limited and inconsistent. It could not identify a responsible individual additive or establish the clinical importance of the changes. EFSA did not consider this study sufficient to change the acceptable daily intakes at that time. Use the separate, additive-specific assessments below for their own dates and scope.
EFSA assessment of the Southampton mixture study. Official EFSA summary and publication identity read. This is a historical study assessment, not a fresh 2026 assessment or a statement of current country permissions.
What the UK label warning means
E211 is not included in the six-colour activity-and-attention warning list in UK food-labelling guidance. Its presence in a mixture study does not turn it into a colour or extend that colour-specific warning to it.
UK food and drink warnings. Check the country section for the separate question of permitted food uses and their conditions.
EatMatrix’s reading
Sodium benzoate was mixed with colours in the Southampton trial, while the Hong Kong trial tested it separately and found no significant adverse behaviour difference. Neither justifies saying all children react. E211 is a preservative and is not one of the six colours in the UK colour-warning list.
A practical next step for parents
NICE does not recommend removing colours and additives as a universal ADHD treatment. If a particular food repeatedly seems linked to behaviour, discuss the pattern with the child’s clinician. A food-and-symptom diary can help; targeted dietary changes should involve a dietitian and the child’s care team. Keep the overall diet varied and nutritionally adequate.
Selected sources checked . Reading scope and known correction gaps are stated beside each source. Recent laboratory and exposure studies are labelled separately from human intervention trials. This is not an exhaustive clinical review, a personal diet prescription or a complete current-country assessment. These selected findings do not change recorded ratings or permissions.
Selected research on E211
How to read study types- Regulator reviewEFSA re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates
Set a safe daily limit of 5 mg per kg of body weight and found no DNA or cancer concern. Toddlers and children who often drink flavoured drinks could go over it.
- Randomized trialHong Kong trial: colour mixture and benzoate tested separately
In 130 children aged about 8 to 9, a colour-mixture capsule and a separate sodium-benzoate capsule did not significantly worsen two behaviour scores versus placebo. This small, short trial does not establish no effect in every child or at every exposure.
- Regulator reviewEFSA assessment of the Southampton mixture study
EFSA found limited evidence of a small, inconsistent mixture effect and could not attribute it to individual additives. That study alone did not justify changing acceptable daily intakes. This historical opinion does not replace current additive-specific assessments.
- Randomized trialSouthampton trial: colour and sodium-benzoate mixtures
The crossover trial included 297 children in two age groups. Some colour-plus-benzoate mixtures increased behaviour scores, with results varying by age, mixture and analysis. It cannot identify one responsible additive or establish new ADHD diagnoses.
- Randomized trialPreschool trial: four colours plus sodium benzoate
The challenge combined four colours with sodium benzoate. Parents reported more hyperactive behaviour than with placebo; clinic assessments did not detect that difference. This is a mixture result, not an isolated effect of this ingredient.
Earlier source summaries checked ; latest additions checked . See the detailed research section for what was read and the remaining limits. This is a selection of sources, not a complete literature review. Authority assessments apply to the uses and places they cover.
Health notes from our ingredient record
- Can form small amounts of benzene in beverages that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), especially under heat, light, or with metal-ion contamination; industry reformulation and testing have reduced this risk.
- Some studies combining sodium benzoate with certain artificial colours reported small effects on activity/attention in children; evidence is limited and has not led regulators to change acceptable daily intakes.
- Occasional intolerance or pseudoallergic reactions (e.g., hives) reported in sensitive individuals.
Other references from our ingredient record
These links come from the original ingredient record. They are separate from the source reviews above and have not all been checked for the exact ingredient, amount consumed or claim. Dates are shown newest first.
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of benzoic acid (E 210), sodium benzoate (E 211), potassium benzoate (E 212) and calcium benzoate (E 213) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2016). Official EFSA scientific opinion (bibliographic reference, imported 2026-10-13). It covers the additive as a group assessment and is not an individual human study; read the opinion for its findings.
Country rules
Country checks for E211
Permission depends on the market, type of food, amount and conditions. A scientific opinion or an E-number alone does not establish a legal use. These checks are separate from the stored EatMatrix rating.
Compare all eight markets and their sources
| Market | What is checked |
|---|---|
| European Union | Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, Annex II Part B, version , contains the exact code E211: Sodium benzoate. The footnote addresses presence in certain fermented products resulting from fermentation following good manufacturing practice; that is not an unrestricted added-use permission. Listing alone does not allow every food use. Part E food categories, limits, specifications and applicable later acts still need a product-specific check. Source read: . |
| Great Britain | The FSA register record for E211 (Sodium benzoate) lists “Authorised” in England, Scotland and Wales. Register updated: 01 April 2025; record checked: . Food-specific conditions and specifications still need a separate legal check. |
| United States | Selected US conditions for Sodium benzoate Official federal text current through ; read . Food uses, limits and exceptionsFood use and concentration Sodium benzoate is listed as an antimicrobial and flavouring agent under good manufacturing practice. The section describes current use resulting in a maximum of 0.1% in food and says FDA has not determined whether significantly different conditions would be GRAS. The identity and food-grade specifications must match. EatMatrix’s reading: a legal use condition answers where and how an ingredient may be used. It is not a test of your product, a personal safe intake or a claim that the ingredient benefits your body. Match the named substance, food and amount. Other federal provisions, food standards, state rules and later changes may also apply; this is a selected source review, not a complete product-compliance decision. |
| Northern Ireland | Review pending. Check the applicable EU rules and territory arrangements; the GB register alone does not establish this status. FSA guidance is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| Canada | Named food-use records located. Health Canada lists the preparations below for specified foods and purposes. This is conditional permission for those uses, not approval of every product or a personal safety verdict. Only the named records and conditions below were located. Exact composition and specifications still need matching. Source tables captured . List publication dates are shown separately. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a condition of use, not an unlimited amount or a recommended intake. Food and Drug Regulations B.16.003 requires the listed source, purpose, amount and other conditions to match. The official consolidation read was current to 21 September 2026; product specifications and applicable later changes still need checking. Read 6 listed food-use conditionsSodium BenzoateHealth Canada: List of Permitted Preservatives. List published ; item S.3.
EatMatrix reading: match the exact preparation and food first. A manufacturing limit is not an acceptable daily intake (ADI). A label without the amount cannot establish exposure, and an unlisted name here does not establish a ban. |
| Australia | Review pending. Food Standards Code permissions and conditions need an additive-specific check. FSANZ food-additive rules is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| New Zealand | Review pending. Food Standards Code permissions and conditions need an additive-specific check. FSANZ food-additive rules is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| Japan | Review pending. The relevant list, identity and use standards need an additive-specific check. CAA food-additive lists is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
Sources & review status
Check what each source covers: an authority’s conclusion, a research finding and a country’s legal permission answer different questions.
What this guide covers
- Selected research
- 5 source summaries, with publication dates and study types. Several publications may describe the same study population.
- Official assessment reference
- EFSA opinion located for E211. Identity and code coverage checked; full findings review pending.
- Original ingredient record
- 1 research link; newest recorded date: . Sources added separately to this guide are not included in this count.
This guide brings together our ingredient record and the dated sources shown here. Missing information describes a gap in this guide; it does not mean an ingredient is untested, safe or harmful. This is not a complete review of every study, preparation or current country rule. The amount in a product and how it is used still matter.
How to read the ratings, research and country checksAgency labels recorded by EatMatrix
These are imported database classifications, not verified current statements from each authority. Use the dated official sources below for their actual scope and conclusions.
| Authority | Database label |
|---|---|
| FDA | Safe in moderation |
| WHO | Safe in moderation |
| EFSA | Safe in moderation |
| FSANZ | Safe in moderation |
| Japan | Safe in moderation |
| UK FSA | Safe in moderation |
| Health Canada | Safe in moderation |
An official EFSA assessment for E211
An official scientific opinion covering E211 exists. A missing research link or rating in our database does not mean this additive has never been assessed. This reference identifies the document; it does not replace a review of its findings, later research or current food-use rules.
EFSA: Re-evaluation of benzoic acid (E210), sodium benzoate (E211), potassium benzoate (E212) and calcium benzoate (E213)
- Published
- Codes covered by this reference
- E210, E211, E212, E213
- Source type
- EFSA scientific opinion, not an individual human trial
EatMatrix checked this reference’s identity and code coverage on . The full evidence review, an exhaustive check for subsequent publications and corrections, and market-specific permissions remain pending. This does not change the recorded EatMatrix rating above.
Database updated: . What does an E number mean on a food label?
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is EatMatrix's recorded rating for E211?
The recorded EatMatrix rating for E211 (Sodium benzoate) is “Safe in moderation”. It is calculated from labels stored in our ingredient database. These labels are not verified current regulator decisions or country permissions. A database update date is not a scientific review date.
Is E211 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium benzoate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E211 and why is it used?
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, used as an antimicrobial preservative most effective in acidic foods and drinks such as soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, and sauces. It is authorised in many countries with maximum permitted levels, and regulatory bodies apply a group acceptable daily intake for benzoic acid and its salts.
Does E211 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium benzoate, with a caution: benzoate sensitivity.
Is sodium benzoate the same as benzoic acid?
Sodium benzoate is a sodium salt of benzoic acid. The FSA lists benzoic acid as E210 and sodium benzoate as E211. Match the exact name and code rather than treating every benzoate or preservative as interchangeable.
What does the US 0.1% provision for sodium benzoate mean?
21 CFR 184.1733 describes sodium benzoate use under good manufacturing practice and current use with a maximum level of 0.1% in food. This is a concentration in food, not a personal daily intake limit or a rule for all benzoates. FDA has not determined whether substantially different use conditions would qualify as GRAS.
Does E211 prove a product is vegan or halal?
No. The code identifies sodium benzoate and cannot certify the whole product. Check the full label and relevant manufacturer or certification information. EatMatrix ingredient lookup or scanning does not certify vegan, halal or allergy suitability.
Is sodium benzoate (E211) the same as potassium sorbate (E202)?
No. E211 identifies sodium benzoate, while E202 identifies potassium sorbate. They are different additives. Match the name or E number on your ingredient list to the corresponding entry.
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This page shows information and classifications recorded in our ingredient database. Current scientific and market-specific verification remains pending as described above. It is general information, not medical advice.