Determination of Preservative Sodium Benzoate in Selected Samples of Fruit Juices and Squashes

Abstract: Preservatives are used to preserve and enhance the shelf life of food products. Sodium benzoate is more commonly used to preserve fruit juices and squashes. Objective: To determine, amount of preservative sodium benzoate in fruit juices and squashes, and whether they contain safe level of sodium benzoate as set by international standards of health by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methods: Quantitative experimental study was undertaken to determine the amount of preservative sodium benzoate in eight samples of fruit juices and squashes by titrimetric method, twice. Flavors of fruit juices selected were orange and mango, while brands included were Haleeb, Mitchell's, Nestle and Shezan. Fruit squash flavors included were orange and mango, whereas brands included were Kinza, Mitchell's, Shezan and Time. MS Excel was used for the interpretation and analysis of the data. Results: The results revealed that sodium benzoate was present in safe level of 0.1% as set by international standards of health FDA (USA) in all samples of fruit juices and squashes. Conclusions: It was concluded that the presence of sodium benzoate in fruit juices and squashes was found in approved FDA range in most of the samples available in local market. Keywords: Preservative, sodium benzoate, fruit juices, fruit squashes