Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E339III - Trisodium phosphate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 1,058 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
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.
Popular questions
Is sodium benzoate bad for you?
Generally no—it's an approved preservative with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg/kg body weight, and typical intakes are well below this. Rare sensitivities (e.g., hives/asthma-like symptoms) can occur, and in vitamin C–containing drinks exposed to heat/light it can form trace benzene, which manufacturers work to minimize.
Is sodium benzoate safe?
Yes—it's authorized by regulators (e.g., FDA, EFSA, JECFA) with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight and is GRAS in foods up to 0.1%. Those with sensitivities may wish to limit it, and beverages containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid should be protected from heat/light to prevent benzene formation.
Is sodium benzoate safe for skin?
Yes—it's widely used as a cosmetic preservative at low concentrations and is considered safe by regulatory and review bodies. It may occasionally cause mild irritation or sensitization, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin.
Is sodium benzoate bad for hair?
No—at the low levels used to preserve shampoos and conditioners it does not damage hair fibers. As with many preservatives, higher concentrations can irritate the scalp, but consumer products use small amounts.
Is sodium benzoate harmful?
Not at permitted food and cosmetic levels; safety limits (e.g., ADI 0–5 mg/kg body weight) are set to prevent harm. Main concerns are rare intolerance reactions and trace benzene formation in vitamin C–containing drinks under heat/light, which industry monitors and minimizes.
What is trisodium phosphate used for?
It’s a synthetic phosphate salt (E339iii) used in foods as an acidity regulator/buffer, emulsifier, stabilizer, sequestrant, and moisture-binding agent to improve texture, retain moisture, and prevent discoloration.
Why is trisodium phosphate in cereal?
It helps control pH during processing/extrusion and improves texture and crunch, and it can chelate metals to prevent off-colors or clumping.
Is trisodium phosphate bad for you?
At approved food levels it’s considered safe by regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS; EFSA sets a group ADI for phosphates), but people with kidney disease or those limiting phosphorus or sodium should monitor intake.
Is trisodium phosphate poisonous?
Food-grade amounts used in foods are not poisonous; however, concentrated/non‑food forms are caustic and ingesting large amounts can be harmful.
Is trisodium phosphate in cereal bad for you?
The small amounts used in cereal are within regulatory limits and not considered harmful for the general population; the main concern is overall phosphorus and sodium intake. Those with kidney disease or on phosphate‑restricted diets should limit added phosphate sources.