Potassium sorbate
Other names: Potassium sorbate
Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)
Potassium sorbate, also known as potassium sorbate, is a chemical used in the food industry as a preservative. It is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, which is itself also a natural preservative. In the form of white crystals or powder, it is odourless and easily soluble in water. It has been used in food since the 20th century, when it was considered a safe and effective alternative to some synthetic preservatives.
What products is potassium sorbate used in then? It is particularly useful in foods that tend to spoil quickly. Specifically, it can be found in many types of cheese, yoghurt, drinks, dry fruits, jams, pastries, ice cream and other sweet products. The advantage of potassium sorbate is that it does not affect the taste, colour or smell of the food in question. It belongs to the category of food additives with code E202. It is also used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Although it is generally considered safe, some studies show that it may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some individuals.