YenzoWhat is potassium sorbate (E202)?
It is potassium sorbate, the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT classes it as a preservative.
E202Potassium sorbate
E202 is potassium sorbate, the potassium salt of sorbic acid. In food it holds back yeasts and moulds, so baked goods, cheese, jams, drinks and sauces keep longer.
- Code
- E202 · INS 202
- Group
- Preservative
- ADI
- 11 mg sorbic acid/kg bw per day (EFSA 2019)
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2019
How E202 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (202), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (202)preservative 202E202INS 202kali sorbatpotassium sorbate
Potassium sorbate in food
CheeseFat spreadsJams, jellies, fruit products
Pickled and fermented vegetables
Baked goodsProcessed meat productsSmoked and prepared fish productsDipping sauces, saucesFlavoured drinks, fruit juicesQuestions about potassium sorbate
Is potassium sorbate harmful?
In 2015 EFSA set a temporary group ADI of 3 mg sorbic acid/kg body weight per day for sorbic acid and potassium sorbate. In 2019, after evaluating an extended one-generation reproduction study, EFSA set a group ADI of 11 mg sorbic acid/kg body weight per day for sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202), in place of the temporary one.
Is E202 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Potassium sorbate (INS 202) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function preservative.
Can children and pregnant women have potassium sorbate?
EFSA noted in its 2019 opinion that, with the temporary group ADI of 3 mg/kg body weight per day set in 2015, in the most realistic (non-brand-loyal) scenario the ADI was exceeded only in the toddler (12–35 months) and children (3–9 years) groups in one country. In 2019 EFSA set a group ADI of 11 mg/kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid) for E 200 and E 202 and concluded that, with that most realistic approach, the new ADI would not be exceeded. The source says nothing specific about pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other preservatives
E200Sorbic acidlowE201Sodium sorbatelowE203Calcium sorbatemoderateE210Benzoic acidlowE211Sodium benzoatelowE212Potassium benzoatelow
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Sources (3)
- EFSA Journal (2019). Opinion on the follow-up of the re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) as food additives
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A: mức sử dụng tối đa phụ gia trong thực phẩm
- EFSA Journal (2015). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and calcium sorbate (E 203) as food additives