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Benzoic Acid (E210) — What You Need to Know

Caution(6/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Benzoic Acid?

Benzoic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in berries, plums, cinnamon, and other fruits and spices. It is one of the oldest chemical preservatives used in the food industry, effective against yeasts, moulds, and some bacteria in acidic foods. The commercial form is typically synthesized chemically, though it is chemically identical to the naturally occurring compound.

What Is It Used For?

Used to inhibit microbial growth in acidic foods and beverages, particularly in products with a pH below 4.5. Prevents spoilage and extends shelf life of fruit-based products, condiments, and carbonated drinks.

Function: Preservative, antimicrobial agent
2 mg
Dataset exposure estimate
350 mg
ADI-derived reference (70 kg)
0.6%
of ADI (typical diet)

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
5 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized — group ADI for benzoic acid and benzoates (E210–E213)
⚠️ Key Concerns

Parent compound of sodium benzoate (E211). Can form benzene (a known carcinogen) when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in acidic beverages — FDA found benzene levels above drinking water limits in some soft drinks in 2006. EFSA re-evaluated in 2016 and lowered group ADI from 5 to 5 mg/kg bw/day. May trigger pseudo-allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with asthma or urticaria.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Benzoic Acid an editorial context label of Caution with a score of 6/10. This is 0.3 points above the database average for preservatives (5.7/10). Dataset reference year: 2016. The dataset's population estimate equals about 0.6% of the listed ADI.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Fruit juicesPicklesCarbonated drinksCondimentsSalad dressings
Example brands:
Coca-ColaHeinzKraft

Always check the label for E210 or 'Benzoic Acid'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C7H6O2
Molecular Weight: 122.12 g/mol
CAS Number: 65-85-0
INS Number: 210
Also known as: E210, INS 210, Flowers of Benjamin, Carboxybenzene

Frequently Asked Questions about Benzoic Acid

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS; EFSA/EU — Authorized — group ADI for benzoic acid and benzoates (E210–E213). Reported concerns: Parent compound of sodium benzoate (E211). Can form benzene (a known carcinogen) when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in acidic beverages — FDA found benzene levels above drinking water limits in some soft drinks in 2006. EFSA re-evaluated in 2016 and lowered group ADI from 5 to 5 mg/kg bw/day. May trigger pseudo-allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with asthma or urticaria. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E210
INS Number
210
Category
Preservatives
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS
EFSA Status
Authorized — group ADI for benzoic acid and benzoates (E210–E213)
ADI
5 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2016
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other preservatives in the same family

Sodium Benzoate (E211)Potassium Benzoate (E212)Sorbic Acid (E200)Potassium Sorbate (E202)