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In the field of food, E211 refers to sodium benzoate, which is a unified number assigned by the EU system for food additives. It is widely used as a preservative in various foods. Here is a detailed introduction about it:

Core properties and functions: Its chemical nature is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. It appears as a white crystalline powder, odorless or slightly pungent, and has good water solubility. This characteristic makes it more frequently used in the food industry than benzoic acid (corresponding to the food additive number E210). It inhibits the activity of enzymes in microbial cells, hinders the metabolic process of microorganisms, thereby suppressing various spoilage microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, achieving the effect of preventing food from deteriorating and becoming sour, and extending the shelf life.

Common application scenarios: In food, it is often found in carbonated beverages, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, jam, candies, fish canned products, etc.; moreover, due to its antibacterial properties, it is also used in some medicines and cosmetics to prevent microbial contamination during storage.

Related controversies and restrictions: It has certain controversies. For example, it may react with vitamin C (food additive number E300) to produce trace carcinogens benzene, and studies have explored its potential impact on mitochondrial DNA. These concerns have limited its application to some extent. For instance, Japan has stopped producing sodium benzoate, and relevant constraints have been imposed on its use; at the same time, some food enterprises are also looking for its alternative additives.