Benzoic acid in foods, exposure and controversy
What it found
Benzoic acid and related compounds are common in food, cosmetics and medicines, and people can be exposed to them often and for a long time.
The authors say their effects are controversial and raise public health concerns.
What they found
Where it comes from
Benzoic acid is found naturally in plant and animal tissues and can also be made by microorganisms.
Related compounds
A wide range of related compounds are used, including salts, alkyl esters, parabens, benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde and benzoyl peroxide.
Common uses
These compounds are commonly used as antibacterial and antifungal preservatives and as flavourings in food, cosmetics, hygiene and pharmaceutical products.
Spread in the environment
Because they are so widespread, these compounds are largely distributed in the environment and found in water, soil and air.
Human exposure
Human exposure to these compounds can be high, common and lengthy.
What the authors conclude
- They discuss the controversial effects and potential public health concerns of benzoic acid and its derivatives.
How it was done
Benzoic acid and its derivatives are widely used as preservatives and flavourings, so they end up in water, soil and air. The authors wanted to look at how much people are exposed to and whether there are health concerns.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This is a review of existing information, so it cannot show cause and effect.
- It does not report new studies in people or animals.
The paper
- Title
- Benzoic acid and its derivatives as naturally occurring compounds in foods and as additives: Uses, exposure, and controversy
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Del Olmo A, Calzada J, Nuñez M (2017). Benzoic acid and its derivatives as naturally occurring compounds in foods and as additives: Uses, exposure, and controversy. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. doi:10.1080/10408398.2015.1087964PubMed 26587821DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error