In a slightly scary report in Lighter Footsteps 

A University of Sheffield researcher says a preservative commonly used in soft drinks and other food items may cause genetic damage — contributing to cirrhosis of the liver and degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
Professor Peter Piper has spent eight years studying the effects of sodium benzoate, known as E211 in the food industry. Sodium benzoate is widely used to inhibit mold growth in a variety of consumer foods. But Piper claims the additive produces cellular damage that closely mimics the effects of chronic alcoholism, causing premature aging and a variety of serious health concerns. He says his research indicates that sodium benzoate attacks a crucial portion of human DNA known as the mitochondria.

I continue to wonder where this will lead us.  Every time we go shopping what other products do we have to avoid?