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E202: Potassium sorbate / Sorbic acid potassium salt

t-2, 4-hexadienoic acid potassium salt; 2-propenylacrylic acid potassium salt

Origin:
Potassium salt of sorbic acid (E200), which naturally occurs in the fruit of the European Mountain-ash (Sorbus aucuparia ), after which the acid is named. It is commercially produced by several different chemical pathways.

Function & characteristics:
Sorbic acid is a preservative, mainly against fungi and yeasts. It is not effective against bacteria. Optimal activity is at pH values below 6.5 (acid and slightly acid foods).

Products:
Many products

Daily intake:
Up to 25 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
No side effects in the concentrations used. Only a very small percentage of people show slight pseudo-allergic reactions.

Dietary restrictions:
None – sorbates can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.