EPA Proposes Registration of New Industrial and Household Product Preservative

For Release: September 2, 2020

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the proposed registration of sodium benzoate for a 30-day public comment period. This proposed use for this new active ingredient is for in-container control of bacteria, mold and fungi in industrial and household products including soaps, shampoos, inks, adhesives, and other water-based products requiring preservation.

Sodium benzoate, the salt form of benzoic acid, has several common uses regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including as a direct food-additive and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. It is categorized by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).

The sodium benzoate product trade name is Kalaguard SB (EPA registration number 91212-R).

The comment period for this proposed decision will be open for 30 days, closing October 2, 2020. To provide comment, search for EPA-HQ-OPP-2019-0072 at www.regulations.gov.