What is E210?

Complete guide to understanding E210 (Benzoic Acid) in your food

The Quick Answer

E210 is benzoic acid—a simple aromatic carboxylic acid preservative that inhibits growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria in acidic foods (pH <5), extending shelf-life and preventing spoilage.

It’s used in soft drinks, fruit juices, jams, pickles, and acidic condiments.

It is approved by major authorities (FDA approved, EFSA approved with ADI 5 mg/kg set in 2016, JECFA approved), but carries some documented health considerations for sensitive populations. Primary concerns are: (1) pseudo-allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (particularly those with atopic conditions, asthma, hay fever, hives, urticaria); (2) potential formation of benzene (carcinogen) when benzoic acid reacts with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in soft drinks—though regulatory monitoring addresses this; (3) weak effectiveness against bacteria and ineffectiveness above pH 5; (4) rare potential for histamine liberation in sensitive individuals. Benzoic acid is generally safe at approved food-use levels for the general population, but those with atopic conditions or salicylate sensitivity should exercise caution.

What Exactly Is It?

E210 is benzoic acid—the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid, a small organic molecule that functions as a preservative by inhibiting growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria in acidic foods.

Chemical formula: C₆H₅COOH; molecular weight 122.12; also called benzenemethanoic acid or carboxybenzene.

E210 appears as white crystalline powder with slightly unpleasant odor. It is nearly insoluble in water (0.3 g/100 ml at 20°C) but highly soluble in organic solvents. Due to poor water solubility, benzoic acid is rarely used directly in foods; instead, its salts (sodium benzoate E211, potassium benzoate E212) which are highly water-soluble are preferred.

Production: Benzoic acid is commercially produced by partial oxidation of toluene (with oxygen, using catalysts) or hydrocarboxylation of benzene. The process is well-established industrial chemistry.

Natural occurrence: Benzoic acid occurs naturally in many foods, particularly berries (cranberries, bilberries), seafood (prawns), and dairy products. However, commercial food-grade E210 is synthetically produced.

Mechanism: In acidic foods (pH 2.5-4.0), benzoic acid exists in its molecular (undissociated) form and crosses microbial cell membranes, disrupting essential metabolic processes. Most effective against yeasts and molds; much less effective against bacteria; ineffective above pH 5 where it ionizes and cannot penetrate cells.

Where You’ll Find It

E210 (and more commonly its salts E211, E212, E213) appears in acidic foods:

• Soft drinks and carbonated beverages (major use)
• Fruit juices and juice concentrates
• Jams, jellies, and preserves
• Pickles and pickled vegetables
• Condiments (salad dressings, mayonnaise, mustard, soy sauce)
• Low-sugar products
• Cereals
• Some meat products
• Marinades
• Cosmetics and personal care products
• Some pharmaceuticals

E210 is a widely used preservative, though the soluble salt forms (sodium/potassium benzoate) are more common due to benzoic acid’s poor water solubility.

Is It Safe?

For the general population: Yes—E210 is approved by FDA, EFSA (ADI 5 mg/kg established 2016), and JECFA. However, for individuals with atopic conditions (asthma, hay fever, hives, atopic dermatitis, urticaria) or salicylate sensitivity, documented pseudo-allergic reactions are possible at food-use levels. This represents a population-specific concern rather than general toxicity.

EFSA’s 2016 comprehensive re-evaluation established an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) of 5 mg/kg body weight per day for benzoic acid and its salts (E210-E213 combined).

EFSA noted: “The Panel considered that when benzoic acid or its salts and ascorbic acid are used together, considerations should be given to the storage of the soft drinks and the food contact materials to prevent the formation of benzene.”

What Are The Health Concerns?

E210 has documented health concerns for specific populations, but is generally safe for the general population:

Pseudo-allergic reactions in atopic individuals (PRIMARY CONCERN): EFSA’s 2016 re-evaluation explicitly noted: “The Panel noted that benzoic acid and its salts may enhance hypersensitivity and/or cause skin reactions in sensitive people. Furthermore, anaphylaxis and urticaria have also been observed in sensitive individuals following exposure to benzoic acid and its salts at doses below the ADI. Several studies have shown that subgroups of patients already suffering from atopic dermatitis, pruritus, urticaria or persistent rhinitis may be intolerant even to low doses of benzoate.”

This means individuals with asthma, hay fever, hives, urticaria, or atopic dermatitis may experience reactions at food-use levels (below ADI).

Histamine liberation (related to pseudo-allergic mechanism): In sensitive individuals, benzoic acid may trigger histamine release, causing allergic-like symptoms even though true IgE-mediated allergic reactions are not occurring.

Benzene formation (when combined with vitamin C): In soft drinks containing both benzoic acid/benzoates AND ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a chemical reaction can form small quantities of benzene (a known carcinogen). EFSA and FDA are aware of this and recommend storage conditions that minimize this risk. However, levels formed in properly stored beverages are very low and do not pose significant health risk. Still, this is a regulatory concern addressed in product formulation and storage protocols.

Weak effectiveness against bacteria: Benzoic acid is mainly fungistatic (inhibits molds/yeasts); it does not effectively inhibit bacterial growth and is ineffective above pH 5. This is a functional limitation rather than a safety concern.

Potential enzyme inhibition and glycine depletion at high doses: Some sources indicate benzoic acid may inhibit digestive enzyme function and deplete glycine (amino acid) levels at high doses, though this is not documented in normal food consumption.

General population safety: For individuals without atopic conditions or salicylate sensitivity, EFSA concludes benzoic acid is safe at food-use levels within the ADI of 5 mg/kg.

Natural Occurrence

Unlike purely synthetic additives, benzoic acid occurs naturally in many foods:

• Berries (cranberries, bilberries, raspberries, strawberries)
• Dairy products (milk, cheese)
• Seafood (particularly prawns)
• Aged meats
• Some plants and herbs

However, food-grade E210 is chemically synthesized for consistency, purity, and food safety purposes rather than extracted from natural sources.

Natural Alternatives

Want to avoid E210?

• Sorbic acid (E200) – alternative synthetic preservative; effective against molds/yeasts
• Potassium sorbate (E202) – more soluble sorbate alternative
• Ascorbic acid (E300/Vitamin C) – natural antioxidant (less effective as preservative)
• Rosemary extract – natural antioxidant
• Salt-based preservation – traditional method (high sodium)
• Refrigeration/Freezing – alternative preservation methods
• Accept shorter shelf-life – consume fresh products quickly

The Bottom Line

E210 (Benzoic Acid) is an approved preservative (FDA, EFSA ADI 5 mg/kg, JECFA) that is generally safe for the general population at food-use levels. However, it carries documented sensitivity concerns for individuals with atopic conditions (asthma, hay fever, hives, atopic dermatitis, urticaria) or salicylate sensitivity, who may experience pseudo-allergic reactions at food-use levels. Additionally, when benzoic acid reacts with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in soft drinks, small quantities of benzene may form—though regulatory monitoring and proper storage conditions minimize this risk.

Regulatory Status: FDA approved, EFSA approved (ADI 5 mg/kg set 2016), JECFA approved—all major authorities support its use.

General Population Safety: Safe at food-use levels for individuals without atopic conditions or salicylate sensitivity.

Atopic Population Concern (DOCUMENTED): EFSA’s 2016 re-evaluation explicitly acknowledged pseudo-allergic reactions in individuals with atopic dermatitis, urticaria, persistent rhinitis, hay fever, hives, or asthma—even at doses below the ADI. This represents a real and documented concern for this population.

Benzene Formation Consideration: Possible when combined with vitamin C in soft drinks; regulatory agencies monitor and recommend proper storage to minimize formation.

Mechanism of Atopic Sensitivity: Pseudo-allergic reactions (histamine liberation) rather than true IgE-mediated allergies; individuals may not have conventional food allergies but still react to benzoates.

Effectiveness Limited to Acidic Foods: Most effective at pH 2.5-4.0; ineffective above pH 5 and weak against bacteria. This is why it’s used in acidic foods (soft drinks, juices, pickles) rather than general foods.

Recommendation: E210 is safe for the general population. However, those with documented atopic conditions (particularly asthma, hay fever, hives, atopic dermatitis, urticaria) or salicylate sensitivity should be cautious and consider avoiding products containing benzoic acid or benzoates, as pseudo-allergic reactions are documented at food-use levels. For general consumers without these conditions, benzoic acid is an effective and approved preservative. Those concerned about the benzene formation potential with vitamin C should be aware this is monitored and minimized through proper storage protocols.