Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E385 - Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 5,291 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 7 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.
Is calcium disodium edta harmful?
When used within approved limits in foods, calcium disodium EDTA (E385) is not considered harmful; regulators have set an acceptable daily intake and typical exposure is well below it. Excessive intake can bind essential minerals and may cause stomach upset, but this is unlikely from normal food use.
Is calcium disodium edta bad for you?
For most people, no—at permitted food levels it’s considered safe and helps protect flavor and color. Very high doses can chelate essential minerals, but such exposures don’t occur from ordinary foods.
Is calcium disodium edta dairy?
No—it's a synthetic additive and contains no milk or lactose.
Is calcium disodium edta vegan?
Yes—it's generally considered vegan because it is chemically synthesized and not derived from animal ingredients.
What is calcium disodium edta in food?
It’s a sequestrant/antioxidant preservative (E385) that binds trace metals like iron and copper to prevent oxidation, off-flavors, and discoloration in foods such as dressings, mayonnaise, canned vegetables, and beverages.