In addition to SO2, benzoic acid, sorbic acid and their salts are allowed as a preservative in non-alcoholic soft drinks according to EU 1333/2008. Benzoic acid: max. 150 mg/l Sorbic acid: max. 300 mg/l. In combination with benzoic acid, the maximum level for sorbic acid is reduced to max. 250 mg/l, the maximum level for benzoic acid still remains at 150 mg/l.
Determination of the preservatives sorbic acid and benzoic acid using HPLC
This method is suitable for beverages.
These preservatives are separated by means of HPLC and determined through UV detection. Identification is performed on the basis of the retention times and quantification by using the area under the peaks according to the external standard method.