E211: Sodium benzoate / Benzoic acid sodium salt
Benzenecarboxylic acid sodium salt; dracylic acid sodium salt; phenylcarboxylic acid sodium salt
Origin:
Benzoic acid, benzoates and benzoic acid esters are commonly found in most fruits, especially berries. Cranberries are a very rich source of benzoic acid. In addition to fruits, benzoates occur naturally in mushrooms, cinnamon, cloves and some dairy products (as a result of bacterial fermentation). For commercial purposes, it is prepared chemically from toluene.
Function & characteristics:
Benzoic acid and benzoates are used as preservatives against both yeasts and bacteria in acidic products. They are not very effective against fungi, and ineffective in products with a pH above 5 (slightly acidic or neutral). High concentrations have an acid taste, which limits the application. Benzoates are often preferred, due to better solubility.
Products:
Benzoic acid and benzoates are used in a wide range of acid or slightly acidic products.
Daily intake:
Up to 5 mg/kg body weight.
Side effects:
No side effects in the concentrations used. In some people benzoic acid and benzoates may liberate histamine and thus cause pseudo-allergic reactions.
Dietary restrictions:
None – benzoic acid and benzoates can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.
E224: Potassium disulphite
Potassium metabisulphite
Origin:
Potassium salt of sulphurous acid.
Function & characteristics:
It is a white, non-stable powder, which reacts with oxygen to form potassium sulphate. In acidic conditions it forms sulphurous acid, which acts as a preservative. It is used as a preservative in fruits and fruit products and may be used as a bleaching agent.
Products:
Preserved onions, wine, preserved fruits, shellfish, etc.
Acceptable Daily Intake:
Up to 0.7 mg/kg body weight.
Side effects:
Due to its oxidising effect, it may reduce the vitamin content in products. It is reduced in the liver to harmless sulphate and excreted in the urine.
People who are intolerant towards natural sulphites should also avoid added sulphites (E221-228). It alleviates the effect of a hangover.
Dietary restrictions:
None – sulphur dioxide and sulphites can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.
source:
Food-Info.net : E-numbers : E224: Potassium disulphite and
Food-Info.net : E-numbers : E211: Sodium benzoate / Benzoic acid sodium salt