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May 3, 2021 · Potassium sorbate is a salt derivative of sorbic acid that prevents microbial growth in various foods, such as cheese, jams and wine. It is generally safe to consume and breaks down in the body, but it may cause allergic reactions in some people.
People also ask
Can potassium sorbate be used as a preservative?
Is potassium sorbate toxic?
Can potassium sorbate cause an allergic reaction?
What is the chemical formula for potassium sorbate?
- Overview
- What is potassium sorbate found in?
- Is potassium sorbate safe to eat?
- Are there risks in consuming potassium sorbate?
- Making choices that are healthy for you
- Takeaway
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What is potassium sorbate?
Potassium sorbate is a chemical additive. It’s widely used as a preservative in foods, drinks, and personal care products. It is an odorless and tasteless salt synthetically produced from sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide.
You’ll find potassium sorbate on the list of ingredients for many common foods. It’s a popular preservative because it’s effective and doesn’t change the qualities of a product, such as taste, smell, or appearance. It’s also water-soluble, and it works at room temperature.
You may find it added to many food products, such as:
•apple cider
•baked goods
•canned fruits and vegetables
•cheeses
Regulatory agencies such as the FDA, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have determined that potassium sorbate is “generally regarded as safe,” abbreviated as GRAS. When you eat potassium sorbate as a food additive, it passes through your system harmlessly as water and carbon dioxide....
Some people may have an allergic reaction to potassium sorbate in foods. These allergies are rare. Allergies to potassium sorbate are more common with cosmetics and personal products, where it can cause skin or scalp irritation. However, the Environmental Working Group has rated potassium sorbate with a low risk as a skin irritant.
If you use potassium sorbate as a pure ingredient, for example in winemaking, it can irritate your eyes and skin if you spill it.
Despite purity requirements for manufacturers, it’s possible that potassium sorbate as a food additive can be contaminated. It may be contaminated with:
•lead
•arsenic
•mercury
Read your food ingredient labels carefully. Be aware of what is in your food. Even though potassium sorbate and other additives are considered safe, you can avoid them by eating fewer processed foods.
If you think you have an allergy to potassium sorbate, see if your allergic reactions go away when you stop consuming or using items that contain the additive.
Food additives have become a controversial subject. It’s important to keep a scientific perspective when reading web-based information and scare stories. Is the information backed up by facts, or is it biased? Research has shown that potassium sorbate is safe for most people to eat, though it may cause some skin allergies when used in personal care...
Potassium sorbate is a chemical additive used as a preservative in foods, drinks, and personal care products. Learn about its sources, safety, risks, and how to make choices that are healthy for you.
- Marjorie Hecht
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, chemical formula CH 3 CH=CH−CH=CH−CO 2 K. It is a white salt that is very soluble in water (58.2% at 20 °C). It is primarily used as a food preservative ( E number 202). [4]
Feb 20, 2020 · Potassium sorbate is a chemical additive that prevents mold, bacteria and other microorganisms from growing in food, drinks and personal care products. Learn about its safety, side effects, uses and examples of foods that contain it.
Discover the secrets of potassium sorbate! This guide covers its definition, applications, advantages, and safe usage practices, helping you understand this widely used food preservative. Learn more to ensure food safety.
Oct 18, 2011 · But what about potassium sorbate, commonly used to prevent mold growth in cheese, yogurt, wine, dried meat, pickles, apple cider, and many herbal dietary supplements? Harmful, harmless, or helpful? Well, it’s been found harmless to Syrian hamsters, but toxic to Chinese hamsters.
Apr 3, 2020 · Potassium sorbate is a synthetic, vegan and gluten-free preservative that inhibits mold, yeast and bacteria in food and drinks. Learn how it is made, how it works, what foods it is used in, and whether it is safe to eat or not.
