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E202PreservativeLow concern
Potassium Sorbate
In plain words
The short version
The potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a water-soluble antifungal preservative.
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
Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. 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. Rapidly metabolized as a fatty acid. Some studies note mild skin sensitization in concentrated cosmetic applications.
The detail
Synthesized by neutralizing sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. Industrial production began in the mid-20th century as a more soluble alternative to sorbic acid.
Common in wine, cheese, yogurt, dried meats, and baked goods. Frequently used in personal care products as a paraben alternative. Typical use levels range from 0.025% to 0.3%.
White granular powder, highly soluble in water (58 g/100 mL at 20°C). Optimal antimicrobial activity at pH below 6.0. Works synergistically with low pH and reduced water activity.
Approved globally for food and cosmetic use. EU Regulation 1333/2008 includes it in the general list of permitted 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 — Potassium sorbate (INS 202), evaluation 1973 — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1973. JECFA group ADI 0–25 mg/kg bw
- 21 CFR 182.3640 — Potassium sorbate (GRAS) — US eCFR (Office of the Federal Register), 2026. GRAS status in the US
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex II — consolidated text of 18.08.2026 — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. Listed in the EU Union list (Annex II) with maximum levels
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.