ON THE INCLUSION OF SODIUM BENZOATE (E 211) AS ANTISEPTIC FOOD ADDITIVE IN SOFT DRINKS AND FISH PRODUCTS

Six products belonging in two food categories (carbonated soft drinks and fish products) have been investigated in laboratory via spectrophotocolorimetry to identify and quantify the usage of sodium benzoate as food additive with antiseptic-preservative purpose. The inclusion level of E-211 in the first group (carbonated soda) was 55-49% less than the maximum admitted inclusion level (AIL) (20 mg additive/100 g product, while the calculated daily intake through drinking a portion (500 ml) reached 32.7-34% out of the maximal admitted daily intake (MADI) for children and 11.25-17% of the MADI for adults. The concentration detected in the marinated fish was 25.1-35.1% lower than the AIL for this food category (200 mg/100 g). Calculus of the daily intake for a serving portion of marinated fish (env. 75 g) reached 64.9-74.6% of the MADI for children and 24.34-37.30% for adult consumers. Although the inclusion rates were below the maximal admitted limits, if we cumulate the potential intake of the sodium benzoate from these two food sources with other food preferred by children (sweet treats), the daily intake dose for this additive present becomes alarming and could endanger the health of young age consumers.