E283 · Potassium propionate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E283?
Potassium propionate is the potassium salt of propionic acid, used as a preservative in baked goods, cheese, and some dairy products to prevent mold and bacterial spoilage. It is considered safe for human consumption in regulated amounts by food safety authorities. It is used less commonly than sodium or calcium propionate but works through the same antimicrobial mechanism.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium propionate, E283, E 283, E-283, INS 283, Food additive 283, Propanoic acid potassium salt, Propionic acid potassium salt, Potassium salt of propionic acid, Propionic acid, potassium salt, Kaliumpropionat, Propionato de potasio.
What the evidence says
- May contribute to potassium intake, a consideration for people with kidney disease who need to limit potassium.
- Rare digestive discomfort has been reported at high intakes.
Research behind the verdict
- Potassium Propionate (E283) – Safety Review — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2014). Group ADI not specified; safe at approved levels; similar profile to sodium and calcium propionates.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E283 safe?
Our overall verdict for E283 (Potassium propionate) 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 E283 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium propionate — 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 E283 and why is it used?
Potassium propionate is the potassium salt of propionic acid, used as a preservative in baked goods, cheese, and some dairy products to prevent mold and bacterial spoilage. It is considered safe for human consumption in regulated amounts by food safety authorities. It is used less commonly than sodium or calcium propionate but works through the same antimicrobial mechanism.
Does E283 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium propionate.
Watch E283
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Potassium propionate 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.