Food News

AGROLAB Ibérica (Tarragona) has validated and accredited under ISO 17.025 benzoic acid and sorbic acid in food and feed.

Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid used as a food preservative. It is identified on the nutrition label with code E 210 and is a preservative used both in its acid form and in the form of its sodium (E 211), potassium (E 212) or calcium (E 213) salts.
Sorbic acid or 2,4-hexadienoic acid is an organic compound whose use as a food preservative is more widespread than that of benzoic acid because it is a less toxic compound. On the nutrition label it is designated E 200 and is used both in its acid form and in the form of its potassium (E 202) or calcium (E 203) salts.

The use of benzoic acid and sorbic acid as antimicrobial agents in human and animal nutrition is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EC) No 2021/2097. Both are used to prevent the growth of yeasts, bacteria and some types of fungi. Benzoic acid is mainly used in olives, jams, candied fruits, flavoured drinks, non-alcoholic beers, sauces, sweets, spices, ready-made soups. Sorbic acid is used in confectionery, bakery products, sauces, dried fruits, dairy products, soft drinks, vegetable preparations, sausages and meat products.

AGROLAB Ibérica (Tarragona) has extended its scope of accreditation according to the ISO 17025 standard with the determination of benzoic acid and sorbic acid in food, juices, beverages, feed and pet food samples using liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). The validated method allows the quantification of sorbic and benzoic acid at a concentration greater than or equal to 10 mg/kg.

YOUR PLUS: AGROLAB GROUP offers you the analysis of Benzoic Acid and Sorbic Acid accredited according to ISO 17025 in all types of food, feed and raw materials. Please contact your personal sales representative for more information.

Authors: Susana Poveda, Dra. Isabel Gómez (AGROLAB Iberica)