E210 (Benzoic acid) is a chemical compound, an ingredient included in the list of European food additives as preservative.
Benzoic acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid that can be considered a kind of organic acidifier
It appears in the form of a white powder.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it allows perfume to be enhanced, masked or added to the final product, improving its commercial viability. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant scent in a cosmetic product.
Preservative. Any product containing organic, inorganic compounds, water, needs to be preserved from microbial contamination. Preservatives act against the development of harmful microorganisms and against oxidation of the product.
pH adjuster. This ingredient tends to restore the pH of a cosmetic formulation to its optimal value. The correct pH value is an essential determinant for lipid synthesis in the stratum corneum. The average physiological pH value of the face ranges between 5.67 and 5.76. The hair fibre has a pH value of 3.67.
Medical
In dermatology, it is used to treat certain skin diseases. Improves intestinal functions (1).
Food
In the food industry, it can inhibit pathogenic microorganisms so it is used as a preservative and antibacterial against bacteria, moulds, yeasts etc.
The human body should not absorb more than 5mg/kg body weight per day.
Safety
The EFSA Panel on Food Additives considered the use of benzoic acid and its sodium and potassium salts as food additives to be of no concern with regard to genotoxicity and ruled out carcinogenic potential (2).
Benzoic acid studies
Molecular Formula: C7H6O2
Linear Formula C6H5COOH
Molecular Weight: 122.123 g/mol
UNII: 8SKN0B0MIM
CAS: 65-85-0 8013-63-6 331473-08-6
EC Number:
FEMA Number: 2131
PubChem Substance ID 24854555
MDL number MFCD00002398
Beilstein Registry Number 636131
Synonyms:
- Dracylic acid
- benzenecarboxylic acid
- Carboxybenzene
- Benzeneformic acid
- phenylformic acid
- Benzenemethanoic acid
- Phenylcarboxylic acid
- Benzenemethonic acid
- Benzenemethanoate
- Phenylcarboxylate
- Benzenecarboxylate
- Carboxypolystyrene
- phenyl formic acid
- Sodium benzoic acid
References________________________________________________________________________
(1) Mao X, Yang Q, Chen D, Yu B, He J. Benzoic Acid Used as Food and Feed Additives Can Regulate Gut Functions. Biomed Res Int. 2019 Feb 26;2019:5721585. doi: 10.1155/2019/5721585.
(2) EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources (ANS). (2016). Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of benzoic acid (E 210), sodium benzoate (E 211), potassium benzoate (E 212) and calcium benzoate (E 213) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 14(3), 4433.
Abstract. The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion re-evaluating benzoic acid (E 210), sodium benzoate (E 211), potassium benzoate (E 212) and calcium benzoate (E 213) when used as food additives. Benzoic acid and its sodium and potassium salts are rapidly absorbed after oral administration. The Panel considered that the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of calcium benzoate will be similar to sodium or potassium salt and, therefore, read-across between the salts was possible. The results of short-term and subchronic studies on benzoic acid and its salts indicate that their toxicity is low. The Panel considered that the use of benzoic acid and its sodium and potassium salts as food additives does not raise a concern with respect to genotoxicity and, based on read-across, also considered that this conclusion is applicable for calcium benzoate. Moreover, the Panel noted that the available data did not indicate any carcinogenic potential. A four-generation reproductive toxicity study with benzoic acid in the diet in rats was considered by the Panel as the pivotal study and a no observed adverse effect level of 500 mg benzoic acid/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested, was identified. From the aforementioned studies, the Panel derived an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 5 mg/kg bw per day (expressed as benzoic acid) using an uncertainty factor of 100. Taking into account food categories for which direct addition of benzoic acid-benzoates is authorised, the group ADI was exceeded in the brand-loyal scenario in particular for toddlers and children consuming on a regular basis flavoured drinks. Considering additional exposure due to carry-over, the intake could be increased by up to two to three fold for all high-level consumers compared to the previous scenario with only direct addition to food. This results in exceedance of the group ADI in toddlers and children for the non-brand-loyal scenario. The main food categories contributing to this exceedance were unprocessed fruits and vegetables and flavoured drinks.
E210 
