Under what specific condition might sodium benzoate form benzene, a known carcinogen?

Answer

When it reacts with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) if both are present in the food.

Sodium benzoate is frequently employed as a preservative, particularly effective in acidic foods and beverages, to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast. Although the Food and Drug Administration generally recognizes it as safe (GRAS) when used appropriately, a specific chemical interaction raises health concerns. If sodium benzoate is present in a product that also contains Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), these two ingredients can react chemically under certain circumstances. This reaction has the potential to generate trace amounts of benzene, which is classified as a known human carcinogen, thus shifting consumer preference away from products utilizing both ingredients simultaneously.

Under what specific condition might sodium benzoate form benzene, a known carcinogen?

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