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E200PreservativeLow concern
Sorbic Acid
In plain words
The short version
A naturally occurring compound used to inhibit mold, yeast, and fungi in foods and cosmetics.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
Considered one of the safer preservatives. JECFA's group ADI is 0–25 mg/kg body weight (as sorbic acid). In 2019 EFSA set a group ADI of 11 mg/kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid) for sorbic acid and potassium sorbate. It is metabolized like other fatty acids and excreted as CO2 and water. Rare contact dermatitis has been reported in sensitive individuals.
The detail
First isolated in 1859 from the unripe berries of the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia), which gave the compound its name. Today it is produced industrially through the condensation of crotonaldehyde with ketene, yielding a colorless crystalline solid.
Widely used in cheeses, baked goods, wine, dried fruits, and salad dressings to prevent spoilage. Typical use levels are 0.05% to 0.2% by weight. Often added as the more soluble salt potassium sorbate (E202).
White crystalline powder, slightly soluble in water, more soluble in ethanol. Effective against molds and yeasts at pH below 6.5. Loses activity in alkaline conditions.
Approved in the EU, US, UK, Canada, Japan, and most other jurisdictions. Listed in the Codex Alimentarius general standard for food additives.
Sources
- EFSA — Opinion on the follow-up of the re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) as food additives (2019) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal 2019;17(3):5625), 2019. EFSA group ADI of 11 mg/kg bw per day
- JECFA — Sorbic acid (INS 200), evaluation 1973 — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1973. JECFA ADI 0–25 mg/kg bw
- 21 CFR 182.3089 — Sorbic acid (GRAS) — US eCFR (Office of the Federal Register), 2026. Approved in the US (GRAS)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex II — consolidated text of 18.08.2026 — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. Approved in the EU with category-specific maximum levels
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.