E203 · Calcium sorbate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E203?
Calcium sorbate is the calcium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative in dairy, beverages, and baked goods to inhibit mould, yeast, and bacterial growth and extend shelf life. It is effective across a range of pH levels, though most active in acidic conditions. Regulatory authorities including the FDA consider it safe within approved usage limits, and it does not meaningfully affect flavor or color.
Also appears on labels as: E203, E 203, E-203, Calcium sorbate, Calcium salt of sorbic acid, Calcium sorbic acid salt, Sorbic acid calcium salt, Calcium hexadienoate, Calcium sorbate preservative, Preservative E203, INS 203, Ca(C6H7O2)2.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; rare mild allergic-type reactions reported in sensitive individuals, consistent with other sorbate salts.
Frequently asked questions
Is E203 safe?
Our overall verdict for E203 (Calcium 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 E203 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium 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 E203 and why is it used?
Calcium sorbate is the calcium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative in dairy, beverages, and baked goods to inhibit mould, yeast, and bacterial growth and extend shelf life. It is effective across a range of pH levels, though most active in acidic conditions. Regulatory authorities including the FDA consider it safe within approved usage limits, and it does not meaningfully affect flavor or color.
Does E203 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium 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.