Food additive databaseKeeps food longerChecked 2026-09-27
Sodium benzoate (preservative) 安息香酸Na
Food additiveSimilar rules abroad
- Purpose
- prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life (preservative)
- On the label
- “保存料（安息香酸Na）” (preservative (sodium benzoate))
Flagged additives are marked when you use the Ingredient Checker (choose others).
In Japan
- The foods it may be used in and the amounts are set, for example soft drinks and soy sauce.
Under stricter rules abroad
Category: Similar rules abroad
- The EU also permits it as E211, with maximum levels for each food.
Substances labeled this way
Related pages
Sources
Last checked 2026-09-27. Rules change over time. This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.
The categories are not a safety verdict. Additives used in Japan are approved by the government, which sets the foods and amounts they can be used in. This page lists facts stated in laws and in evaluations by public bodies.