Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are used as food preservatives and are most suitable for foods, fruit juices, and soft drinks that are naturally in an acidic pH range. Their use as preservatives in food, beverages, toothpastes, mouthwashes, dentifrices, cos- metics, and pharmaceuticals is regulated.

Benzoic acid is a chemical that occurs naturally in many foods, and may also be added synthetically to foods, where it functions as a preservative (antibacterial and antifungal) (1, 2). It is most commonly used in acidic foods since it has stronger antibacterial and antifungal abilities at a lower pH.

Benzoic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a food preservative in high-acid foods and occurs naturally in some organisms. Among foods commonly preserved with the acid are soft drinks, fruit juices, fermented vegetables, and high-sugared foods.