Whilst
occuring naturally in many edible berries, fruits and vegetables it
is available commercially by chemical synthesis from Benzoin, a resin
exuded by trees native to Asia
It
is used as an antibacterial and antifungal preservative in acid mediums.
It is excreted from the body as hippuric acid between 9 and 15 hours
of consumption.
Can
be found in beer, coffee essence, dessert sauces, soft drinks, flavouring
syrups, fruit juice, pulp and purée, jam, margarine, marinated
herring and mackerel, pickles, salad cream and dressings, fruit yoghurt,
baked goods, cheeses, gum, condiments, frozen dairy, relishes, soft
sweets, cordials and sugar substitutes. Also used in cosmetics, as an
antiseptic in many cough medications and an antifungal in ointments.
Best
avoided by people with allergy reactions as it can cause a rash similar
to nettle rash with large quantities also causing gastric irritation.
When combined with Tartrazine (E102) it provokes
a very high hyperactive response in children. Can cause asthma, especially
in those dependent on steroid asthma medications, is also reputed to
cause neurological disorders and to react with sulphur bisulphite (E222)
Not
recommended for consumption by children.
The
Hyperactive Childrens Support Group belive that a link exists between
this additive and hyperactive behavioural disorders in children.