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Ingredient Guide

🇨🇦 Sodium Benzoate on Food Labels in Canada

Sodium Benzoate is permitted with proper declaration in Canada: declare as "sodium benzoate" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Sodium benzoate (E211) is a preservative effective in acidic foods, used in soft drinks, pickles, sauces, and fruit juices. In Canada, Sodium Benzoate is regulated under FDR & Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as a food preservative. Permitted in Food and Drug Regulations. Declared by name. Health Canada monitors benzene formation in beverages containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "sodium benzoate" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "preservative" and E-number E211
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "sodium benzoate"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Sodium Benzoate
  • Omitting the E-number E211 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Sodium Benzoate content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"preservative: sodium benzoate"
"sodium benzoate" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... sodium benzoate ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Sodium benzoate, Benzoic acid sodium salt) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Sodium Benzoate" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Sodium Benzoate and all its common names (E211, Sodium benzoate, Benzoic acid sodium salt) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under Canada rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is sodium benzoate (E211)?

Sodium benzoate (E211) is a preservative effective in acidic foods, used in soft drinks, pickles, sauces, and fruit juices. It commonly appears in: Carbonated soft drinks, Fruit juices, Pickles, Condiments, Salad dressings.

Is sodium benzoate bad for you?

EFSA set a group ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as benzoic acid) and permitted levels are considered safe. Two caveats: it can form traces of benzene when combined with vitamin C in acidic drinks (regulators monitor this), and it was part of the additive mix in the Southampton hyperactivity study.

How must Sodium Benzoate be declared on food labels in Canada?

Declare as "sodium benzoate" in the ingredient list. Permitted in Food and Drug Regulations. Declared by name. Health Canada monitors benzene formation in beverages containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Sodium Benzoate?

Sodium Benzoate may appear under the following names: E211, Sodium benzoate, Benzoic acid sodium salt. Common hidden sources include: Carbonated soft drinks, Fruit juices, Pickles, Condiments, Salad dressings, Soy sauce.

Is sodium benzoate banned in Canada or other markets?

Sodium Benzoate is permitted in all major markets with proper declaration.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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