Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E240 - Formaldehyde

Overview

E210 - Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid (E210) is a preservative used to help keep acidic foods and drinks safe and fresh by slowing the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It occurs naturally in small amounts in some berries and fermented foods, and is also made for food use under strict purity standards.

READ MORE >>

E240 - Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde (E240) is a simple, reactive chemical once used as a preservative, but it is not approved today as a food additive in many regions. It does occur naturally in small amounts in many foods and can migrate in trace amounts from certain food-contact materials that use formaldehyde-based resins.

READ MORE >>
Synonyms
E210
Benzoic acid
E240
Formaldehyde
methanal
Functions
preservative
preservative
Origins
Plant
Synthetic
Plant
Animal
Microbiological
Synthetic
Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume
#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#3581.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×12.42
over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Read more about E210Read more
Read more about E240Read more
Popular questions

  1. Is benzoic acid soluble in water?

    Only sparingly—about 3 g per liter at room temperature; its solubility increases in hot water and it dissolves readily in many organic solvents.

  2. Is benzoic acid polar?

    It has a polar carboxyl group but a nonpolar aromatic ring, so overall it’s only weakly polar; its benzoate salt is much more polar and water‑soluble.

  3. Is benzoic acid a strong acid?

    No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.

  4. What is the melting point of benzoic acid?

    About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).

  5. Is benzoic acid bad for you?

    At approved food levels it’s considered safe, with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight/day; some people may experience irritation or hypersensitivity, and benzene formation in certain acidic drinks is monitored and kept very low.

READ MORE ABOUT E210READ MORE >>

  1. What is formaldehyde used for?

    Primarily to make industrial resins, plastics, and disinfectants; as a food additive (E240) it was historically used as a preservative but is not permitted in the EU or US due to safety concerns.

  2. What does formaldehyde smell like?

    It has a strong, sharp, pungent (antiseptic) odor that is irritating and noticeable even at very low concentrations.

  3. Is formaldehyde toxic?

    Yes—it's acutely irritating/toxic and is classified as a known human carcinogen; it's not allowed as a food additive, though small amounts naturally present in foods are rapidly metabolized.

  4. What does formaldehyde do to the body?

    It reacts with tissues (proteins and DNA), causing eye, nose, and throat irritation and, at high doses, chemical burns if ingested; chronic inhalation increases certain cancer risks, though the body also produces and quickly metabolizes small amounts to formate and CO2.

  5. Does fireball have formaldehyde in it?

    No—Fireball does not contain added formaldehyde; a past European issue concerned propylene glycol, not formaldehyde.

READ MORE ABOUT E240READ MORE >>