Sorbic acid is a commonly used preservative to control mold and yeast growth in foodstuffs. In the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives published by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, E200 code and sorbic acid are also included in food additives. Sorbic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, is white in color and has a special odor that is not sharp. They have a wide range of applications because they have different resolution properties. If the sorbic acid structure in the food is disrupted, the microbiological properties of the food are affected.

Benzoic acid is one of the safest additives from benzoin resin and used in food production. Benzoic acid, which is crystalline, solid, colorless and in powder form, is listed among the food additives with the code E210 in the above-mentioned communiqué. In the second half of the nineteenth century, benzoic acid was found to be effective against fermentation and mold and was used in the food sector. Benzoic acid is found in many plants and animals in nature.

Sodium benzoate is a salt derivative. It is a food additive obtained by neutralizing benzoic acid with sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. It is not naturally found in nature. In the aforementioned communiqué, it is listed among the food additives with the code E211.

Potassium sorbate is the only organic acid allowed for use in foodstuffs. Sodium benzoate is a more suitable preservative in foods. It is used in all kinds of food and beverage. It is effective against mold, yeast and many bacteria in foods. It also has no negative effects on human health.

In authorized laboratories, sorbic acid and benzoic acid and esters (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate and the like) are analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).