Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate are common preservatives used in the food industry, and their differences are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Basic information
Chemical structure: potassium sorbate is an unsaturated fatty acid salt with the chemical formula C6H7KO2C6H7KO2; sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid with the chemical formula C7H5NAO2C7H5 NaO2 .
Solubility and stability: Potassium sorbate is more soluble in water, while sodium benzoate is more stable under acidic conditions .
Mechanism of action
Potassium sorbate prevents food spoilage by inhibiting the enzyme system of microorganisms.
Sodium benzoate inhibits the growth of microorganisms by lowering the pH of the food .
Usage
Scope of use:
Potassium sorbate is commonly used in acidic foods such as bread, pastries, jams, fruit juices, dairy products, meat products and so on.
Sodium benzoate is widely used in carbonated beverages, fruit juices, soy sauce, pickled foods, cosmetics, etc .
Amount of use: The amount of potassium sorbate used is generally 0.1% - 0.2%, while that of sodium benzoate is 0.05% - 0.1%. The difference in dosage is mainly due to their preservative effect and the different pH of the foodstuffs.
Safety
Toxicity:
Potassium sorbate is considered to be a relatively safe preservative, which can be metabolised and absorbed by the human body and rapidly decomposed into carbon dioxide and water, with no residue in the body, and no obvious harm to the human body in the long term intake.
Sodium benzoate may cause some toxicity to the liver and kidney at high doses. Small amounts in the short term are generally harmless to the human body, but if used for a long period of time and in excessive amounts, it may lead to chronic benzene poisoning, cause liver damage, and even induce cancer. In addition, sodium benzoate and human stomach acid will generate benzoic acid, with a certain degree of toxicity; and Vitamin C will react with each other to generate carcinogenic substances benzene .
Allergic reaction: Some people may have allergic reaction to sodium benzoate, such as rash, asthma and other symptoms; while potassium sorbate is less likely to cause allergic reaction. Therefore, for people with allergies, it may be safer to choose foods containing potassium sorbate .
Regulatory situation
The use of both potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate is strictly regulated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). According to food labelling regulations, foods containing these two substances must be clearly labelled so that consumers can be informed and choose foods that are suitable for them.