CALCIUM BENZOATE Meaning and
Definition
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Calcium benzoate is a chemical compound that falls under the category of food additives. It is derived by combining benzoic acid with calcium hydroxide. It is widely used as a preservative in a variety of food and beverage products to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
The primary purpose of calcium benzoate is to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds in food and beverage items. It works by altering the pH level of the product, creating an environment that is inhospitable to microbial growth. This property makes it particularly effective in preventing the spoilage of acidic and low-pH foods like carbonated beverages, pickles, sauces, and fruit juices.
Calcium benzoate is recognized by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe additive for human consumption. It is considered a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance when used within the prescribed limits. However, excessive use of calcium benzoate can lead to potential health risks such as allergic reactions, especially in individuals sensitive to benzoic acid.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that calcium benzoate can also be used in conjunction with other food preservatives, such as sodium benzoate, to enhance their effectiveness. This compound can be found in various processed foods and beverages, including soft drinks, baked goods, candies, jams, and salad dressings.
Etymology of CALCIUM BENZOATE
The word "calcium benzoate" does not have a specific etymology because it is a compound name consisting of two separate words: "calcium" and "benzoate".
"Calcium" refers to the chemical element calcium (symbol: Ca), which was derived from the Latin word "calx" meaning "lime" or "chalk".
"Benzoate" is derived from the term "benzoic acid", which originated from the resin of the Styrax benzoin tree. The resin was used by ancient civilizations, and eventually, the compound benzoic acid was isolated and named. The term "benzoate" indicates a salt or ester of benzoic acid.
Therefore, "calcium benzoate" refers to the salt formed when calcium is combined with benzoic acid.
