Analysis of chemical properties and determination of two preservatives in industrial Dough consumed in Shiraz

This study was conducted to determine the quantity of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate in 61 industrial dough samples (16 different brands with a different production date) in Shiraz market. Moreover, chemical characteristics of the samples (pH, SNF, fat and salt content) were determined. The mean concentrations of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate were 31.84 and 31.83 mg/kg, respectively. Based on Iranian National Standard (No 2453), none of these preservatives are permitted to be used in the dough. According to the results, 73.8% and 85.3% of the samples contained potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, respectively and consequently inappropriate for consumption. Moreover, pH, salt, fat and SNF contents in 100%, 95.1%, 70.5% and 100% of the samples were found in the acceptable limit, respectively. Among the samples, 11.5% had potassium sorbate and 23% had sodium benzoate, and 62.3% contained both of the preservatives. There was no significant correlation between the concentration of sodium benzoate and the shelf life of the samples. However, there was a significant correlation between the concentration of potassium sorbate and the shelf life (r= 0.37, p= 0.001). Despite the Iranian National Standard legislation, presence of these chemical preservatives in dough could be a public health concern.