Sorbic Acid

(in 7,033 products)

1. Antioxidant - Reduces oxidation to prevent the formation of free radicals which may be harmful to health.

2. Flavor / Flavoring / Flavor Enhancer - Provides or enhances a particular taste or smell.

3. Preservative - Prevents and inhibits the growth of unwanted microorganisms which may be harmful

Sorbic acid is a natural organic compound used as a food preservative. Sorbic acid and its salts, such as sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, and calcium sorbate, are antimicrobial agents often used as preservatives in food and drinks to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi. In general the salts are preferred over the acid form because they are more soluble in water, but the active form is the acid. The optimal pH for the antimicrobial activity is below pH 6.5. Sorbates are generally used at concentrations of 0.025% to 0.10%. Adding sorbate salts to food will, however, raise the pH of the food slightly so the pH may need to be adjusted to assure safety. It is found in many other foods, such as cheeses and breads. Sorbic acid can also be used as an additive for cold rubber, and as an intermediate in the manufacture of some plasticizers and lubricants.

In EU, Sorbic acid is approved to used as food additive (E200). In US, it is generally recognised as safe food substance under FDA.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/643460

1. South Korea - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety - Prohibited/Restricted Chemicals

- Ref: 1260

2. Japan - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare - Restricted Ingredients

- Sorbic acid

3. US FDA Food Additives Status List [2018]

- Sorbic acid

4. EU Approved Food Additive [2018]

- E200

5. Japan’s List of Designated Food Additives under Article 10 of the Food Sanitation Act

- Sorbic Acid

6. US FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) (21 CFR 182) [2017]

- § 182.3089 - Sorbic acid

7. EU CosIng Annex V, PRESERVATIVES ALLOWED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2017]

- Ref: V/4

8. Association of Southeast Asian Nations Annex VI, Allowed Preservatives

- Sorbic acid (hexa-2,4-dienoic acid) and its salts