E202 · Potassium sorbate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E202?
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, one of the most common food preservatives used to prevent mould and yeast growth. It works especially well in low-pH (acidic) foods such as cheese, wine, jams, fruit juices, and baked goods. Regulatory agencies including the FDA and EFSA consider it safe when used within approved limits, and it is well tolerated by most people.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt, K-sorbate, Food grade potassium sorbate, E202, E 202, E-202, INS 202, Sorbate (potassium salt), Additivo alimentare E202, Additif alimentaire E202, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff E202.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; rare mild skin irritation or allergic-type reactions reported in sensitive individuals.
Frequently asked questions
Is E202 safe?
Our overall verdict for E202 (Potassium sorbate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E202 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium sorbate — 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 E202 and why is it used?
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, one of the most common food preservatives used to prevent mould and yeast growth. It works especially well in low-pH (acidic) foods such as cheese, wine, jams, fruit juices, and baked goods. Regulatory agencies including the FDA and EFSA consider it safe when used within approved limits, and it is well tolerated by most people.
Does E202 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium sorbate.
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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.