Benzoic acid and its derivatives as naturally occurring compounds in foods and as additives: Uses, exposure, and controversy

Abstract

Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid naturally present in plant and animal tissues, which can also be produced by microorganisms. Benzoic acid and a wide range of derivatives and related benzenic compounds, such as salts, alkyl esters, parabens, benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and benzoyl peroxide, are commonly used as antibacterial and antifungal preservatives and as flavoring agents in food, cosmetic, hygiene, and pharmaceutical products. As a result of their widespread occurrence, production, and uses, these compounds are largely distributed in the environment and found in water, soil, and air. Consequently, human exposure to them can be high, common, and lengthy. This review is mainly focused on the presence and use of benzoic acid in foods but it also covers the occurrence, uses, human exposure, metabolism, toxicology, analytical methods for detection, and legal limits for benzoic acid and its derivatives. Their controversial effects and potential public health concerns are discussed.

Evaluation of Thymus vulgaris and Thymbra spicata essential oils and plant extracts for chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties

“…It can be produced by the plant as protection against fungal attacks. Benzoic acid and its derivatives have been employed in the food industry as antifungal and antibacterial food additives (Olmo, Calzada, & Nunez, ). Based on all the available data, we found that Thymus vulgaris and Thymbra spicata provided a relatively high amount of rosmarinic acid and benzoic acid.…”

The relationship between urinary BTEX metabolites and residence setting among Korean homemakers: the first Korea National Environmental Health Survey (2009–2011)

“…With regard to dietary factors, processed or fermented foods contain preservatives, including sorbic and benzoic acid. Sorbic acid is metabolized into t,t-muconic acid [39,40], while benzoic acid, which is contained in a variety of supplements such as soft drinks, dairy products, fruits, and spices, can be metabolized into hippuric acid and act as a confounder [41][42][43].…”

Benzoic Acid Derivatives of Ifloga spicata (Forssk.) Sch.Bip. as Potential Anti-Leishmanial against Leishmania tropica

“…The data were consistent with previously published data [16,47] ( Supplementary Materials Figures S1-S3). The structure of compound 2, octadecyl benzoate (Figure 1), was elucidated with the help of IR, EI, NMR spectroscopy (including 2D NMR techniques), and by comparison with the literature [48]. It was obtained as colorless amorphous powder.…”