"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