Potassium benzoate

Definition

Potassium benzoate is a preservative formed as a potassium salt of benzoic acid. Potassium benzoate is used to inhibit growth of microbes in acidic conditions, commonly soft drinks, pickles, juice, and condiments.

Health considerations

In a study of isolated white blood cells, potassium benzoate damaged DNA and had mutagenic and cytotoxic effects. When present with ascorbic acid, potassium benzoate may react to form benzene. See: Benzene.

May be found in

Soft drinks, fruit juice, pickles, condiments, sauces, salad dressings

References

Science Direct

Alternative Spellings and Names

E212