Potassium Sorbate, also known as potassium 2,4-hexadienoate, is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, with the molecular formula C6H7O2K, showing colorless or white scale-like crystals or crystalline powder. It is a commonly used organic preservatives, widely used in the preservation of food, cosmetics and feed. Potassium sorbate is easily soluble in water (58.2g/100mL, 20ºC), with a density of 1.36g/cm³, it is made from sorbic acid by neutralization reaction, and has all the basic properties of sorbic acid except solubility. It is white or off-white granule or powder, easy to absorb moisture, unstable in air, easy to oxidize to brown, but more stable to light and heat, it will dissolve and decompose at about 270℃, the pH value of 1% aqueous solution is 7 - 84.

Positive assessment of safety

Metabolic properties

Potassium sorbate is absorbed by the body's metabolic system and is rapidly broken down into carbon dioxide and water with no residue in the body. It is an unsaturated fatty acid (salt), a property which allows it to be disposed of and excreted relatively easily in the body without accumulation in the body as some other substances.

Toxicological Data

ADI: The Expert Committee on Food additive (JECFA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) has established an ADI for potassium sorbate of 0 - 25 mg/kg (sorbic acid), which means that there is no significant health risk for a lifetime intake of potassium sorbate in this range, based on body weight. In comparison, the ADI values for sodium saccharin and sodium benzoate are 5mg/kg, and the ADI value for sweeteners is 11mg/kg. The relatively high ADI value for potassium sorbate indicates that its safety is somewhat guaranteed.

LD50 value: The LD50 (LD50) of potassium sorbate is 10.5g/kg (rat, oral), which belongs to the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) level, which is the test mark of the US Food and Drug Administration, proving that it is safe for food use. The toxicity of potassium sorbate is only 1/2 that of table salt and 1/4 that of sodium benzoate, which means that potassium sorbate has a low toxicity profile.

International Recognition

After years of research and practice, international food safety agencies have finally concluded that potassium sorbate is safe for use in food, and both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have endorsed the use of potassium sorbate in food.

Potential risks

Although potassium sorbate has a high safety profile, it can inhibit bone growth and jeopardize kidney and liver health to some extent if the excess is severe and taken over a long period of time. In addition, excessive intake of potassium sorbate may lead to allergic reactions such as rash and itching.

Compliant use to ensure safety

To safeguard consumer food safety and health, food companies need to strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations in practical applications. When using potassium sorbate, it is necessary to ensure that its use does not exceed the maximum limit specified, and at the same time, the use and function of potassium sorbate should be labeled on the labels and manuals of food products, so that consumers can have a clear knowledge and understanding of the additive in food.