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Potassium Sorbate(E202)

Level 2 — Generally safeIn Winter's Dictionary2 sources

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative — Mold and yeast inhibitor; fungistat in beverages, baked goods, dressings, dairy

Also: Sorbic Acid Potassium Salt

What it does

Mold and yeast inhibitor; fungistat in beverages, baked goods, dressings, dairy

Where you'll see it

beverages, baked goods, chocolate and soda fountain syrups, fresh fruit cocktail, tangerine puree, salads (potato/macaroni/coleslaw/gelatin), cheesecake, pie fillings, cakes, cheeses in consumer-size packages, artificially sweetened jellies and preserves

What the research says

May cause skin irritation. Low oral toxicity. [ultra-processed-people] Preservative listed in GU Hot Pud as part of the cocktail that defines an industrial chocolate dessert. Not specifically attacked by van Tulleken for microbiome harm, but a marker ingredient.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved

Sources

  • Ultra-Processed People (van Tulleken) — Chapter 9 (footnote): pasteurised whole egg (egg, preservative (potassium sorbate), acidity regulator citric acid
  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): used as a preservative; a mold and yeast inhibitor; and a fungistat