What specific function does sodium benzoate excel at in highly acidic food conditions?
Answer
Inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold
Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative whose efficacy is highly contingent upon the surrounding food environment. It demonstrates superior performance in settings characterized by low pH, meaning highly acidic conditions, such as those found in soft drinks, jams, and fruit juices. In these low-pH environments, sodium benzoate actively functions to inhibit the proliferation of various spoilage agents, including yeast, mold, and importantly, bacteria. Its capability in these acidic matrices makes it a preferred choice over other preservatives when the food product naturally possesses tartness or has had acidifiers intentionally added.
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