A few days ago I saw a Tweet regarding preservatives in food and drinks and the name Sodium benzoate popped up on my screen. In case you didn't know, Sodium benzoate is a food preservative commonly used in soft drinks to increase their shelf life. However, when it is present in conjunction with citric acid, it can be harmful to children's health.

Studies have found that when Sodium benzoate is mixed with citric acid, it can form benzene, a known carcinogen. This is particularly concerning in soft drinks, as children are often the primary consumers of these beverages.

Benzene is a colourless, flammable liquid that is widely used in the chemical industry as a solvent and a starting material in the production of various chemicals. It is also found in gasoline and cigarette smoke, and exposure to it has been linked to an increased risk of leukaemia and other cancers.

Although the levels of benzene found in soft drinks containing sodium benzoate and citric acid are generally low, the fact that children are often the primary consumers of these beverages is cause for concern. Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of benzene due to their smaller size and developing immune systems.

Additives like the Southampton 6, also known as the Sunset Yellow, can also have harmful effects on children's health. The Southampton 6 is a yellow food colouring commonly used in soft drinks, sweets, and other food products. In addition to the health concerns associated with the Southampton 6, there are also concerns about the way it is produced. The manufacturing process for the Southampton 6 involves the use of several potentially harmful chemicals, including benzene and toluene.

You can find these dyes in the Southampton 6:

Studies have found that Southampton 6 can cause hyperactivity and other behavioural problems in children. This has led to calls for it to be banned in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Parents can help to reduce their children's exposure to these harmful additives in their children's food or drinks by choosing healthier options and avoiding processed foods and drinks that contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They should also encourage their children to choose healthier options, such as water or milk, instead of sugary drinks. Although this can be challenging in a world where processed foods and drinks are readily available, it is an important step in protecting your children's health.

Aliza M. is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

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