"jim" wrote in message
...
On Jan 13, 12:27 pm, Ben wrote:
jim wrote:

snip

Is sodium benzoate 'health risk free' and easy to get hold of? I
never saw this in my Wine makers store here in the UK but that sounds
like an awesome option. I don't know why but I presumed that was a
chemical you'd find it hard to find for domestic use.

Jim

No it is not risk free, it has been linked to problems in the UK and the
US with carbonated drinks, under certain conditions it can result in the
production of Benzine (highly carcinogenic),it reacts with ascorbic acid
(vitamin C) over time, so anything that is kept for any length of time
or at high temperature is lightly to pose a risk.
I personally would not use it at all.
Ben.

NB
see:http://www.beveragedaily.com/news/ng...ks-fda-benzene
for some more info.

Ahhh yes that rings some bells actually. Perhaps that is why I'd
assumed it was only available to industry here in the UK. I believe
Ribena started using it too which makes the stuff unusable for home
brewers, shame.

Luckily I prefer my wines dry or strong so I don't need to use sorbate
by and large, but perhaps it is still the best option available to me
if I need a stabiliser. Thanks for the heads up Ben, much
appreciated.

Jim

Jim,
Have you considered using Actistab to stabilize your sweet wines? More info
here http://www.newworldwinemaker.com/pro...tent.asp?id=28