Potassium Sorbate
This is what the ingredient is.
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, originally isolated from mountain ash berries. Now synthetically produced for commercial use.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
Preservative that inhibits mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth. Used in cheese, wine, baked goods, dried fruits, and personal care products.
Here is what food agencies say.
The FDA lists it as Generally Recognized as Safe. with no maximum usage limits specified. Europe sets a suggested daily limit of up to 3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Approved globally including US, EU, Canada, Australia.
Here is what research has found.
Extensive safety evaluation by an FAO/WHO expert committee (2017). Study in Journal of Food Protection (2018) demonstrates antimicrobial efficacy. Metabolized to water and CO2 in the body.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Generally well-tolerated. Rare reports of skin irritation in sensitive individuals. May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in high doses.
Sources
- FDA GRAS Database
- EFSA Opinion 2015
- JECFA Evaluation 2017
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.