InfoCons Consumer Protection Explains : Food Additive E202 – Potassium Sorbate and the Importance of Prevention Through Informed Choices
Potassium sorbate, or E202, is a food additive belonging to the preservative category. For industrial use, it is obtained through chemical processes, being the potassium salt of sorbic acid (E200).
It is an effective preservative, especially against molds and yeasts, but it is not effective against bacteria. It shows optimal activity at a pH lower than 6.5 (acidic and slightly acidic products).
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Sorbates are also used in combination with benzoates in products such as:
- flavored non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks),
- low-alcohol beverages,
- liquid tea concentrates (used in vending machines),
- certain preserved fruit and vegetable products,
- jams and jellies with reduced sugar content,
- olives and olive-based products,
- fish products,
- crustaceans, shrimp, mollusks,
- emulsified and non-emulsified sauces,
- seasonings and spices,
- mustard,
- prepared salads,
- desserts based on untreated dairy products,
- preservation of liquid eggs,
- dietary foods for special medical purposes,
- liquid food supplements,
- chewing gum.
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Which Foods Contain the Food Additive E202?
Potassium sorbate (E202) may be found in the following foods:
- flavored non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks);
- low-alcohol beverages;
- liquid tea concentrates (used in vending machines);
- certain preserved fruit and vegetable products;
- jams and jellies with reduced sugar content;
- olives and olive-based products;
- fish products;
- crustaceans, shrimp, mollusks;
- emulsified and non-emulsified sauces;
- seasonings and spices;
- mustard;
- prepared salads;
- desserts based on untreated dairy products;
- dietary foods for special medical purposes and liquid food supplements;
- chewing gum.
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Where Else Can Potassium Sorbate (E202) Be Found?
According to comparative studies conducted by InfoCons over a period of six years (2015–2021), based on 60 egg dye products, the presence of potassium sorbate (food additive E202) was identified.
Potassium sorbate (E202) was found in 19 of the analyzed egg dye products, classifying it as one of the most commonly used food additives in the composition of egg dye products. In addition to potassium sorbate (E202), sodium benzoate (E211) was also identified, appearing in 23 of the products whose labels were examined.
Another study carried out by InfoCons, this time based on margarine products, also identified the presence of potassium sorbate (E202). Alongside E202, the following food additives were found in margarine:
- Curcumin (E100) – a synthetic colorant, which may lead to reduced blood glucose levels;
- Synthetic colorant obtained from genetically modified organisms (E160b);
- Synthetic emulsifier (E476), which may have a moderate toxic effect and may cause allergic reactions.
Are There Side Effects Associated with the Consumption of Food Additive E202?
Following the consumption of food additive E202, side effects such as allergic reactions may occur.
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Functions
- Preservative: Acts as an antimicrobial agent, inhibiting the growth of unwanted microorganisms without affecting the taste or smell of foods.
- Safety: Considered safe for consumption within established limits and permitted in most countries.
Where It Is Found
- Bakery products, dairy products, beverages, sweets, canned foods, dried fruits, margarine, sauces, etc.
Signature : InfoCons Communication Department