HPLC Determination of Benzoic Acid in Commercial Carbonated Beverages
Keywords:
Benzoic Acid, HPLC Analysis, Carbonated Beverages, Food Preservation, Food SafetyAbstract
Benzoic acid is widely used to control microbial spoilage in acidic beverages, but its concentration requires routine verification. This study quantified benzoic acid in six commercially available carbonated beverage samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Samples were coded CB-1 to CB-6, extracted in aqueous medium, filtered, and analysed at 230 nm using a phosphate-buffer/acetonitrile mobile phase. External standards covering 10-100 mg/L were used for calibration. Sample concentrations ranged from 235 to 450 mg/kg, with a mean of 358.5 mg/kg, a standard deviation of 79.9 mg/kg, and a median of 360.5 mg/kg. All six samples were below the 600 mg/kg maximum listed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for water-based flavoured drinks. In comparison, only CB-1 was at or below the Codex General Standard for Food Additives level of 250 mg/kg for the same broad food category. The findings provide local market-surveillance data and show that compliance conclusions depend on the regulatory benchmark applied. Larger surveys supported by complete chromatographic validation records are required.
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