YenzoWhat is E203 (calcium sorbate)?
It is calcium sorbate, the calcium salt of sorbic acid. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT classes it as a preservative.
E203Calcium sorbate
E203 is calcium sorbate, the calcium salt of sorbic acid. In food it holds back yeasts and moulds, like sorbic acid (E200) and potassium sorbate (E202).
- Code
- E203 · INS 203
- Group
- Preservative
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalemoderate?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2015
How E203 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (203), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (203)preservative 203E203INS 203On Vietnamese labels: Calci sorbat
Calcium 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 calcium sorbate
Is calcium sorbate harmful?
In 2015 EFSA concluded that calcium sorbate should be excluded from the group ADI for sorbic acid and its salts, because genotoxicity data on calcium sorbate were lacking. That is why this page gives no ADI for E203.
Is calcium sorbate permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Calcium sorbate (INS 203) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function preservative.