Allervibe
E202
Potassium sorbate
The potassium salt of sorbic acid, used to inhibit mold and yeast.
i Additive Details
| Is E202 Potassium sorbate safe?
A small number of people experience contact skin irritation. Rare allergic reactions have been reported in case studies. Generally regarded as safe by EFSA and the FDA at the levels used in food.
| Uses
Extends shelf life in hard and soft cheeses, dried fruit, baked goods, jams, dips, salad dressings, wine, and many ready-to-eat products. Often combined with sodium benzoate for broader microbial coverage.
| Interactions
Acts in synergy with sodium benzoate (E211): together they cover a wider pH range than either alone. Effective against mold and yeast but less so against bacteria, which is why other preservatives are often added.
| Origin
Synthetic. Produced industrially by neutralizing sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. Sorbic acid was originally isolated from rowan berries.
| Daily Intake
EFSA established a group ADI for sorbic acid and its salts of 11 mg per kg of body weight per day (2015 re-evaluation, expressed as sorbic acid).
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E211 Sodium benzoate The sodium salt of benzoic acid, effective in acidic foods and drinks.
- E220 Sulphur dioxide A gaseous preservative used to prevent browning and microbial growth.
- E250 Sodium nitrite A curing salt that gives cured meats their pink color and inhibits Clostridium botulinum.
- E1105 Lysozyme An enzyme isolated from hen egg white that breaks down the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria.
- E221 Sodium sulphite A soluble sodium salt of sulphurous acid used as a preservative and antioxidant.
- E222 Sodium bisulphite The sodium salt of hydrogen sulphite, supplied as an aqueous solution and used as a preservative and antioxidant.
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