E200 · Sorbic acid
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Safe in moderation
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Safe in moderation
What is E200?
Sorbic acid is a widely used preservative that inhibits mould and yeast growth in foods and beverages such as cheese, baked goods, and wine. It occurs naturally in some berries but is produced synthetically for food use. Regulatory bodies including EFSA and the US FDA consider it safe within permitted limits; EFSA has set a group acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 11 mg/kg body weight per day for sorbic acid and potassium sorbate combined.
Also appears on labels as: Sorbic Acid, E200, E-200, E 200, Potassium Salt of Sorbic Acid, Preservative Sorbic Acid, 2,4-Hexadienoic Acid, Hexa-2,4-dienoic Acid, Natural Sorbic Acid, Synthetic Sorbic Acid, Food Preservative E200, Sorbo rūgštis.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; occasional mild skin or mucous membrane irritation has been reported in sensitive individuals with direct/high exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Is E200 safe?
Our overall verdict for E200 (Sorbic acid) is “Safe in moderation”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe in moderation; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: safe in moderation; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: safe in moderation.
Is E200 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sorbic acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E200 and why is it used?
Sorbic acid is a widely used preservative that inhibits mould and yeast growth in foods and beverages such as cheese, baked goods, and wine. It occurs naturally in some berries but is produced synthetically for food use. Regulatory bodies including EFSA and the US FDA consider it safe within permitted limits; EFSA has set a group acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 11 mg/kg body weight per day for sorbic acid and potassium sorbate combined.
Does E200 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sorbic acid.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.