Potassium Benzoate

Other names: Potassium benzoate, E212

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Potassium benzoate, more simply known as E212, is a chemical used mainly as a preservative in the food industry. It is a salt of benzoic acid and is in the form of white powder or granules. It is slightly soluble in hot water and has a slightly sweet taste. It is therefore sometimes used as an artificial sweetener. It should be added that potassium benzoate is particularly effective in low pH environments, i.e. acidic environments.

Potassium benzoate is present in many of the foods and drinks we consume on a daily basis. It is more commonly found in soft drinks such as lemonades, energy drinks or fruit juices. It is also widely used in dairy products, sauces, jams, canned fruit and vegetables, ice cream and some bakery products. It should be noted that, although its use is common and it is approved by the European Food Safety Authority, long-term consumption of foods containing E212 can affect human health, specifically leading to allergic reactions and asthma. Therefore, it is important to take care to consume foods containing potassium benzoate wisely.