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E-number E211 · Preservatives
Sodium benzoate
Halal
- Typical source
- Synthetic
- Plain-language explanation
- Sodium benzoate (E211) is a common salt used to prevent the growth of mold and yeast in foods like sodas, jams, and condiments. It is synthetically produced by reacting benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide, and its halal status is generally considered permissible. Major halal certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, and MUIS approve sodium benzoate as halal because it is a chemical, not derived from animals. Therefore, you can consume products containing E211 without concern for its source.