Abstract:
Benzoic acid is a commonly used chemical preservative for processed foods in the form
of benzoate. In the presence of sunlight, benzoate reacts with ascorbic acid and can
produce benzene which is a known carcinogen. In most retail outlets in Sri Lanka, fruit
beverages are stored exposing to sunlight. Considering the importance of this subject, this
study was aimed to estimate the benzoic acid content in selected commercially available
fruit juices and nectars stored exposed to sunlight and without exposure to sunlight.
Through a pre-validated questionnaire, commonly available brands of fruit juices [Mixed
Fruit Juice (MFJ) and Mango Juice (MJ)] and nectars [Mixed Fruit Nectar (MFN) and
Mango Nectar (MN)] in Anuradhapura city were selected. The amount of benzoic acid
was estimated according to the method described by Williams et al., (1998). Benzoic acid
was detected in 3 brands of MFN and MN and 2 brands of MFJ and MJ, although it was
not indicated on the labels. The maximum permitted level of benzoic acid in fruit nectars
is 120mg/L and benzoic acid is not permitted to be used in fruit juices (SLS 1328: 2008).
Mean benzoic acid concentration in MFN and MN without exposing to sunlight were
88.33±68.93mg/L and 72.56±50.06 mg/L while samples exposed to sunlight showed
mean benzoic acid levels of 16.41±12.60 mg/L and 20.35±17.93 mg/L respectively. Mean
level of benzoic acid in MFJ and MJ without exposed to sunlight were 44.95±1.64 mg/L
and 36.04±5.07 mg/L while samples exposed to sunlight showed mean benzoic acid
levels of 5.66±7.81 mg/L and 1.80±8.63 mg/L respectively. Therefore, there was a
significant difference (p<0.05) in the reduction of benzoic acid in MFN, MN, MJ, and
MFJ samples exposed to sunlight. It can be concluded that the effect of sunlight during
storage has a relationship with the marked reduction of benzoic acid contents in fruit
juices and nectars. Further studies needed to be conducted to identify the presence of
benzene in fruit drink samples.
Keywords: Benzoic acid, Fruit juices, Fruit nectar, Sunlight
