Determination of benzoic and sorbic acids in Brazilian food

Different brands of soft drink, fruit juice, margarine, yoghurt and cheese available on the Brazilian market were analysed for benzoic and sorbic acids by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a photodiode array detector. The levels of benzoic and sorbic acids were, respectively, in the range of not detected to 804 mg/l and not detected to 1371 mg/kg, respectively. Only one sample presented a preservative level above that permitted by the legislation in force in Brazil. According to the results it can be predicted that the real utilisation of benzoates and sorbates is significantly lower than the maximum authorised levels.