Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E342 - Ammonium phosphate
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Found in 16,173 products
Found in 129 products
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Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 4 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 the formula for ammonium phosphate?
For E342, the ammonium phosphates used are monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4) and diammonium phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4); the fully neutral (NH4)3PO4 is unstable and not typically used in foods.
Is monoammonium phosphate toxic?
It has low toxicity and is permitted as a food additive; within the group ADI for phosphates (e.g., EFSA: 40 mg phosphorus/kg body weight/day), normal food uses are considered safe. Very high intakes can disturb mineral balance, and people with kidney disease should manage phosphate intake.
Is ammonium phosphate toxic?
At permitted food levels, ammonium phosphates (E342) are considered safe, with a group ADI for phosphates set by EFSA at 40 mg phosphorus/kg body weight/day. Excessive intake may affect mineral balance and is a concern for those with impaired kidney function.
Is ammonium phosphate soluble in water?
Yes—both monoammonium and diammonium phosphate are readily soluble in water.