Sodium Benzoate
Function: Preservative
E211 is the European food-additive number for Sodium Benzoate, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SODIUM BENZOATE is a substance which has the chemical formula NaC7H5O2
What is E211 used for?
Sodium Benzoate (E211) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.
Is E211 safe or restricted?
E211 is approved for use in the EU but has drawn regulatory attention — its conditions of use or acceptable daily intake have been re-examined by EFSA or equivalent bodies. Forkin classifies it as “Regulatory attention” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.
Frequently asked questions about E211
- What is E211?
- E211 is the E-number for Sodium Benzoate, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SODIUM BENZOATE is a substance which has the chemical formula NaC7H5O2
- What is E211 used for?
- Sodium Benzoate (E211) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Is E211 vegan or vegetarian?
- It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
- Is E211 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E211 is approved for use in the EU but has drawn regulatory attention — its conditions of use or acceptable daily intake have been re-examined by EFSA or equivalent bodies. Forkin classifies it as "Regulatory attention" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E211 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.