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Can potassium sorbate cause side effects?
Is potassium sorbate safe?
Can you eat too much potassium sorbate?
Feb 20, 2020 · Potassium sorbate is a chemical additive that prevents food spoilage by microorganisms. It is generally safe and approved by the FDA, but some people may have skin irritation from contact with it.
- 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 preservative in foods, drinks, and personal care products. It is generally safe, but may cause allergies or irritation in some people. Learn more about its sources, risks, and alternatives.
- Marjorie Hecht
Oct 18, 2011 · Learn about the safety and effectiveness of potassium sorbate, a preservative used in cheese, yogurt, wine, and more. Watch a video by Dr. Michael Greger, a physician and best-selling author on nutrition and health.
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May 3, 2021 · Potassium sorbate is a salt derivative of sorbic acid that prevents microbial growth in various foods and wine. It is generally safe and breaks down in the body, but it may cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Dec 2, 2015 · Potassium sorbate is a food preservative that can prevent mold growth, but it may also be toxic and cause health problems. Learn about the dangers of potassium sorbate, how to avoid it, and what precautions to take.
Mar 28, 2024 · Discover the impact of whole foods vs. ultra-processed foods on health, the role of food additives, and the safety of preservatives in our diet. Read the latest research findings.
May 7, 2017 · Potassium sorbate is a common preservative in foods, wines, and beauty products, but it can cause health problems such as DNA damage, allergies, and nutrient depletion. Learn how to identify and avoid this chemical in your diet and personal care routine.
