INS 211 is sodium benzoate, the sodium salt of benzoic acid. It is a preservative that stops bacteria, yeasts, and moulds from growing in acidic foods like soft drinks, pickles, and ketchup. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
INS 211 is sodium benzoate, the sodium salt of benzoic acid. It is a preservative that stops bacteria, yeasts, and moulds from growing in acidic foods like soft drinks, pickles, and ketchup.
Brands use it because it works very well in slightly acidic products and is cheap and stable. It is one of the most common preservatives on Indian beverage and condiment packs.
INS 211 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
Sodium benzoate is produced by reacting synthetic benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as a preservative under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific upper limits, often expressed as benzoic acid equivalents.
JECFA: Group ADI 0-5 mg/kg body weight (expressed as benzoic acid) for benzoic acid and its calcium, potassium, and sodium salts, established at the 46th JECFA (1996), based on no observable adverse effects in long-term rat studies.
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 211 is also called:
Last verified: 2026-04-29.