E212 · Potassium benzoate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E212?
Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in food, beverages, and cosmetics to inhibit mould, yeast, and bacteria and extend shelf life. It works best in acidic conditions, making it suitable for fruit juices, soft drinks, pickles, jams, and salad dressings. Regulators including the FDA consider it safe within approved usage limits.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium benzoate, E212, E 212, E-212, INS 212, Potassium salt of benzoic acid, Benzoic acid potassium salt, K-benzoate, Potassium benzoate food grade, Preservative E212, Food additive E212, Additivo alimentare E212.
What the evidence says
- Shares the benzene-formation risk of other benzoates when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under heat, light, or metal-ion exposure; industry mitigations apply.
- Occasional intolerance or mild allergic-type reactions reported in sensitive individuals, consistent with other benzoate salts.
Frequently asked questions
Is E212 safe?
Our overall verdict for E212 (Potassium benzoate) 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 E212 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium benzoate — 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 E212 and why is it used?
Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in food, beverages, and cosmetics to inhibit mould, yeast, and bacteria and extend shelf life. It works best in acidic conditions, making it suitable for fruit juices, soft drinks, pickles, jams, and salad dressings. Regulators including the FDA consider it safe within approved usage limits.
Does E212 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium benzoate, though some people report sensitivity (benzoate sensitivity).
Watch E212
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Potassium benzoate changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.