YenzoWhat is potassium benzoate (E212)?
It is potassium benzoate, the potassium salt of benzoic acid. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT classes it as a preservative.
E212Potassium benzoate
E212 is potassium benzoate, the potassium salt of benzoic acid. In food it holds back yeasts, moulds and bacteria, mainly in drinks and acidic products.
- Code
- E212 · INS 212
- Group
- Preservative
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, 2016
How much a day stays within the ADI?EFSA 2016: 5 mg/kg bw per day
about 0.3 g a daythat is 325 mg
How E212 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (212), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (212)preservative 212E212INS 212On Vietnamese labels: Kali benzoat
Potassium benzoate in food
Jams, jellies, fruit products
Pickled and fermented vegetables
Fat spreadsSweets, chewing gumBaked goodsSauces, mustard, vinegarFlavoured drinksFruit juices, fruit nectars
Cider, perry, flavoured alcoholic drinks
Questions about potassium benzoate
Is potassium benzoate harmful?
In 2016 EFSA set an ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as benzoic acid) for benzoic acid and the benzoates E210–E213. EFSA noted that toddlers and children who regularly drink flavoured drinks could exceed this group ADI.
Is E212 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Potassium benzoate (INS 212) 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 benzoate?
EFSA (2016) noted that toddlers and children who regularly drink flavoured drinks can exceed the group ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as benzoic acid) for benzoic acid and the benzoates E 210–E 213. This source does not address pregnant women separately.
Other preservatives
E210Benzoic acidlowE211Sodium benzoatelowE213Calcium benzoatelowE214Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE215Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE216Propyl p-hydroxybenzoatehigh
See all preservatives →Updated 22 October 2026