E202 / Preservatives
Potassium sorbate
Safety in brief
Safe
Recorded EatMatrix rating, not a new clinical review. The amount, your sensitivities and country rules still matter.
- Watch for
- No allergen or sensitivity is recorded for this ingredient here. Check the whole product label; this is not an allergen-free guarantee.
- Selected research
- Higher estimated intake of additive-origin potassium sorbate was associated with more new type 2 diabetes diagnoses. This substance is named in the abstract's list of associations retained after adjustment for multiple tests. An association does not prove that it caused diabetes. Study details and limits.
- Our advice
- Do not transfer this result to sodium or calcium sorbate. The study estimated additive intake in actual foods, rather than testing a pure dose in volunteers.
What it is
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.
Is sodium benzoate (E211) the same as potassium sorbate (E202)?
No. E211 identifies sodium benzoate, while E202 identifies potassium sorbate. They are different additives. Match the name or E number on your ingredient list to the corresponding entry.
| E number | Ingredient name |
|---|---|
| E211 | Sodium benzoate: read the ingredient entry |
| E202 | Potassium sorbate (this entry) |
EFSA's cited opinions cover different additive families: Benzoic acid and benzoates (E210–E213), 2016, and Sorbic acid (E200) and potassium sorbate (E202), 2019.
Start with the ingredient printed on your label. EatMatrix can help you explore its information; scanning does not measure the quantity present in a product.
What is E202 potassium sorbate doing in food?
E202 identifies potassium sorbate, a preservative. Its antimicrobial function helps limit spoilage by microorganisms in food. That is a food-storage purpose, not a claim that consuming the ingredient improves your health or that a product containing it is healthy.
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. E200 identifies sorbic acid; E202 identifies potassium sorbate. These names are related but the codes refer to different ingredients. A label does not state how much E202 you consume. Vegan or halal suitability needs the complete product label and manufacturer or certification information; the E number alone cannot certify it.
In the US, 21 CFR 182.3640 recognises potassium sorbate as GRAS for use consistent with good manufacturing practice. This describes a conditional regulatory status, not a guarantee for any amount or every product. The eCFR text was current through October 5, 2026 when checked. The GB register lists E202 as authorised in England, Scotland and Wales, record updated April 1, 2025; specifications and food-category conditions still apply. Other markets remain unverified here.
- FSA additive names and E numbers (June 25, 2026)
- FDA ingredient record: potassium sorbate identity and food functions
- US use condition: 21 CFR 182.3640, potassium sorbate
- FSA register: E202 Great Britain authorisation and conditions
See how EatMatrix reads an ingredient list before trying the app. Compare a scan with the physical label.
Identity and food-use sources checked . The E number alone does not tell you the amount in a product. Wider scientific and market checks are described below.
Dietary information
- Vegan
- Yes
- Halal
- Yes
- Gluten-free
- Yes
- Allergens
- None recorded
Recorded ingredient information. Check the product label or certification: sources, other ingredients and cross-contact can vary.
Research & body effects
Newer sources to read for E202
- 2026 BMJ study of food additive preservatives and cancer incidence
Published January 7, 2026. A prospective observational study in the French NutriNet-Santé cohort; it includes this ingredient. Observational associations cannot by themselves establish that an additive causes a health outcome.
- BfR assessment of limitations in that study
Published March 17, 2026. The German risk-assessment institute discusses uncertainty in the findings. This assessment is separate from a country's rules on permitted food uses.
Bibliographic identity and the indexed study type checked October 4, 2026. The BMJ abstract and BfR communication were read; a complete review of the study's methods, supplements and the wider evidence remains pending. These links do not change EatMatrix's recorded rating.
What selected 2026 human research means for E202
Type 2 diabetes: what was found
Higher estimated intake of additive-origin potassium sorbate was associated with more new type 2 diabetes diagnoses. This substance is named in the abstract's list of associations retained after adjustment for multiple tests. An association does not prove that it caused diabetes.
The French NutriNet-Santé analysis included 108,723 people and 1,131 new diagnoses, with a median follow-up of 8.05 years. Diets were recorded repeatedly, including food brands. Researchers estimated additive intake and adjusted for factors such as diet, body size and smoking. They did not randomly assign people to eat this additive.
Blood pressure and cardiovascular outcomes
A May 2026 analysis associated potassium sorbate with new hypertension after multiple-test adjustment. This does not mean that every cardiovascular outcome was associated with this additive.
This analysis included 112,395 people overall, with 5,544 new hypertension cases and 2,450 cardiovascular events in the respective analyses. It comes from the same NutriNet-Santé cohort as the diabetes and cancer publications; these are different outcomes, not three independent replications.
EatMatrix’s reading
Do not transfer this result to sodium or calcium sorbate. The study estimated additive intake in actual foods, rather than testing a pure dose in volunteers.
These findings deserve follow-up. Estimated intake, other features of the foods people ate and differences between volunteers can still influence the results. Most participants were women; the results may not transfer directly to children or every country. A proposed mechanism from cells or animals is not a demonstrated mechanism in people eating ordinary food.
A useful next step when choosing food
Compare the whole food: its ingredients, fibre, salt, free sugars, saturated fat and how often you eat it. Choose a varied pattern with more minimally processed foods where practical. Removing one E number alone has not been shown by these studies to prevent diabetes or heart disease.
Selected abstract, main-text methods/results and funding checked . Funders include European and French public research bodies; the authors declare no competing interests. Supplementary tables could not be inspected here, so individual corrected estimates are not reproduced. Indexed records showed no linked correction or retraction in this check; that is not proof none exists. This is a selected editorial review, not a complete clinical or current-country-use assessment. It does not change EatMatrix’s recorded rating or country permissions.
Selected research on E202
How to read study types- Observational studyPreservatives, hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the French cohort
Higher potassium sorbate intake was linked to new hypertension after multiple-test adjustment. This is the same French cohort as the cancer and diabetes papers, not independent replication or proof of causation.
- Expert critiqueGerman risk institute (BfR) on the BMJ preservatives study
Points to chance findings from many tests, diet effects hard to separate (sulfites track wine, for example) and self-reported intake. Sees no reason to change EFSA’s assessments.
- Observational studyBMJ study of preservatives and cancer in 105,260 French adults
Linked higher intake of potassium sorbate with overall and breast cancer. It observed diets and cannot show the additive caused the cancers. 11 of the 17 preservatives studied showed no link.
- Observational studyPreservatives and type 2 diabetes in 108,723 French participants
Higher additive-origin potassium sorbate intake was linked to new type 2 diabetes in a French cohort. It is one of 12 associations retained after multiple-test adjustment. Diet was observed, not assigned; this does not show causation.
- Regulator reviewEFSA follow-up review of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate
Raised the safe daily limit (ADI) to 11 mg per kg of body weight after a new reproductive study, replacing the temporary 3 mg limit from 2015.
- Regulator reviewEFSA re-evaluation of sorbic acid, potassium sorbate and calcium sorbate
No sign that sorbic acid or potassium sorbate damage DNA. Set a temporary safe daily limit of 3 mg per kg of body weight while reproductive data were checked; calcium sorbate was left out for lack of data.
Earlier source summaries checked ; latest additions checked . See the detailed research section for what was read and the remaining limits. This is a selection of sources, not a complete literature review. Authority assessments apply to the uses and places they cover.
Health notes from our ingredient record
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; rare mild skin irritation or allergic-type reactions reported in sensitive individuals.
Other references from our ingredient record
These links come from the original ingredient record. They are separate from the source reviews above and have not all been checked for the exact ingredient, amount consumed or claim. Dates are shown newest first.
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and calcium sorbate (E 203) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2015). Official EFSA scientific opinion (bibliographic reference, imported 2026-10-13). It covers the additive as a group assessment and is not an individual human study; read the opinion for its findings.
Country rules
Country checks for E202
Permission depends on the market, type of food, amount and conditions. A scientific opinion or an E-number alone does not establish a legal use. These checks are separate from the stored EatMatrix rating.
Compare all eight markets and their sources
| Market | What is checked |
|---|---|
| European Union | Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, Annex II Part B, version , contains the exact code E202: Potassium sorbate. Listing alone does not allow every food use. Part E food categories, limits, specifications and applicable later acts still need a product-specific check. Source read: . |
| Great Britain | The FSA register record for E202 (Potassium sorbate) lists “Authorised” in England, Scotland and Wales. Register updated: 01 April 2025; record checked: . Food-specific conditions and specifications still need a separate legal check. |
| United States | Selected US conditions for Potassium sorbate Official federal text current through ; read . Food uses, limits and exceptionsA named GRAS provision Potassium sorbate is listed for use under good manufacturing practice. This means food-grade material and an amount no greater than reasonably needed for its intended effect; it does not mean unlimited use. A separate dry-sausage use USDA lists a 10% water solution applied to dry-sausage casings after stuffing, or used to dip casings before stuffing. That is a casing-treatment solution, not 10% of the finished sausage or permission for every meat product. EatMatrix’s reading: a legal use condition answers where and how an ingredient may be used. It is not a test of your product, a personal safe intake or a claim that the ingredient benefits your body. Match the named substance, food and amount. Other federal provisions, food standards, state rules and later changes may also apply; this is a selected source review, not a complete product-compliance decision. |
| Northern Ireland | Review pending. Check the applicable EU rules and territory arrangements; the GB register alone does not establish this status. FSA guidance is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| Canada | Named food-use records located. Health Canada lists the preparations below for specified foods and purposes. This is conditional permission for those uses, not approval of every product or a personal safety verdict. Only the named records and conditions below were located. Exact composition and specifications still need matching. Source tables captured . List publication dates are shown separately. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a condition of use, not an unlimited amount or a recommended intake. Food and Drug Regulations B.16.003 requires the listed source, purpose, amount and other conditions to match. The official consolidation read was current to 21 September 2026; product specifications and applicable later changes still need checking. Read 14 listed food-use conditionsPotassium SorbateHealth Canada: List of Permitted Preservatives. List published ; item P.9.
EatMatrix reading: match the exact preparation and food first. A manufacturing limit is not an acceptable daily intake (ADI). A label without the amount cannot establish exposure, and an unlisted name here does not establish a ban. |
| Australia | Review pending. Food Standards Code permissions and conditions need an additive-specific check. FSANZ food-additive rules is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| New Zealand | Review pending. Food Standards Code permissions and conditions need an additive-specific check. FSANZ food-additive rules is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| Japan | Review pending. The relevant list, identity and use standards need an additive-specific check. CAA food-additive lists is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
Sources & review status
Check what each source covers: an authority’s conclusion, a research finding and a country’s legal permission answer different questions.
What this guide covers
- Selected research
- 6 source summaries, with publication dates and study types. Several publications may describe the same study population.
- Official assessment reference
- EFSA opinion located for E202. Identity and code coverage checked; full findings review pending.
- Original ingredient record
- 1 research link; newest recorded date: . Sources added separately to this guide are not included in this count.
This guide brings together our ingredient record and the dated sources shown here. Missing information describes a gap in this guide; it does not mean an ingredient is untested, safe or harmful. This is not a complete review of every study, preparation or current country rule. The amount in a product and how it is used still matter.
How to read the ratings, research and country checksAgency labels recorded by EatMatrix
These are imported database classifications, not verified current statements from each authority. Use the dated official sources below for their actual scope and conclusions.
| Authority | Database label |
|---|---|
| FDA | Safe |
| WHO | Safe |
| EFSA | Safe |
| FSANZ | Safe |
| Japan | Safe |
| UK FSA | Safe |
| Health Canada | Safe |
An official EFSA assessment for E202
An official scientific opinion covering E202 exists. A missing research link or rating in our database does not mean this additive has never been assessed. This reference identifies the document; it does not replace a review of its findings, later research or current food-use rules.
EFSA: Follow-up of the re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E200) and potassium sorbate (E202)
- Published
- Codes covered by this reference
- E200, E202
- Source type
- EFSA scientific opinion, not an individual human trial
EatMatrix checked this reference’s identity and code coverage on . The full evidence review, an exhaustive check for subsequent publications and corrections, and market-specific permissions remain pending. This does not change the recorded EatMatrix rating above.
Database updated: . What does an E number mean on a food label?
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is EatMatrix's recorded rating for E202?
The recorded EatMatrix rating for E202 (Potassium sorbate) is “Safe”. It is calculated from labels stored in our ingredient database. These labels are not verified current regulator decisions or country permissions. A database update date is not a scientific review date.
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.
Is potassium sorbate the same as sorbic acid?
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. The FSA lists sorbic acid as E200 and potassium sorbate as E202. They have related names but different codes; match the exact name on the food label.
Does the FDA allow potassium sorbate in food?
21 CFR 182.3640 recognises potassium sorbate as GRAS when used consistently with good manufacturing practice. The eCFR text checked October 7, 2026 was current through October 5. This is a scoped US use condition, not a guarantee that any amount, formulation or finished product is suitable.
Does E202 prove a product is vegan or halal?
No. An E number identifies the ingredient; it does not certify the whole product. Check the complete label and relevant manufacturer or certification information. EatMatrix lookup and scanning do not certify vegan or halal compliance.
Is sodium benzoate (E211) the same as potassium sorbate (E202)?
No. E211 identifies sodium benzoate, while E202 identifies potassium sorbate. They are different additives. Match the name or E number on your ingredient list to the corresponding entry.
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This page shows information and classifications recorded in our ingredient database. Current scientific and market-specific verification remains pending as described above. It is general information, not medical advice.