E202 Potassium Sorbate

E202PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

Potassium sorbate (E202) is one of the mildest, most studied preservatives, used to stop mold in cheese, wine and baked goods. It's safe at normal amounts, vegan and gluten-free.

86/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE202

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesPreservatives

Glycemic index—

Daily limit11 mg/kg

Also calledPotassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

GRAS in the US. Approved in the EU and Canada with set maximum levels per food. EFSA re-checked sorbates in 2015 and, after new data, set a group limit of 11 mg per kg of body weight in 2019.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

770 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 11 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 220 mg a day.

What is it?

Potassium sorbate is the salt of sorbic acid, a short fatty acid that stops mold and yeast from growing. Your body breaks it down much like other fats.

Where it comes from: Sorbic acid was first found in rowan berries, but today it's made from petrochemicals and then neutralized with potassium hydroxide.

Why it’s in food

Stops mold on cheese and baked goods
Keeps wine from refermenting in the bottle
Extends shelf life of dips, syrups and dried fruit

Often found in

CheeseWineBaked goodsTortillasDried fruitDips and spreads

Also listed as: Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt, Sorbate, E202

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA found no safety concern at current intakes and raised its daily limit once better studies came in.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)

Lab studiesUnder study

A test-tube study saw DNA damage in human blood cells at high doses. Regulators found no genotoxic risk from food use.

Mamur et al., Toxicology in Vitro (2010)

Skin irritationConcern

Rarely causes skin or mouth irritation, mostly from cosmetics and creams rather than food.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review, J Am Coll Toxicol (1988)

What can I use instead?

Refrigeration or freezing

Ratio: N/A

Best for: Homemade bread and cheese

Vinegar

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Pickles and dressings

Potassium Sorbate vs Sodium Benzoate

More preservatives:

Calcium Propionate E282Calcium propionate (E282) is the mold inhibitor in most packaged bread. It's considered safe, vegan and gluten-free, though a few small studies have raised questions about behavior in children and blood sugar.Use in moderation Sodium Benzoate E211Sodium benzoate (E211) is a common preservative in soda and sauces. It's safe at normal amounts, but it can form small amounts of benzene when mixed with vitamin C.Use in moderation Sodium Nitrite E250Sodium nitrite (E250) keeps bacon pink and prevents botulism, but forms cancer-linked compounds when cooked at high heat. "Uncured" meat usually has nitrite from celery instead.Best to avoid Sulfur Dioxide (Sulfites) E220Sulfur dioxide (E220) and the sulfites (E221–E228) keep wine, dried fruit and shrimp from spoiling or browning. They're fine for most people, but can trigger serious reactions in some people with asthma, so labels must declare them.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Potassium Sorbate safe?

Generally safe (86/100). GRAS in the US. Approved in the EU and Canada with set maximum levels per food. EFSA re-checked sorbates in 2015 and, after new data, set a group limit of 11 mg per kg of body weight in 2019.

Is Potassium Sorbate vegan?

Yes.

Is Potassium Sorbate gluten-free?

Yes.

Is potassium sorbate the same as sorbitol?

No. Both names come from the rowan tree (Sorbus), but sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, while potassium sorbate is a preservative used in tiny amounts.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 182.3640 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E202
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)
Mamur et al., Toxicology in Vitro (2010)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review, J Am Coll Toxicol (1988)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 202 · CAS 24634-61-5