E200 - Sorbic Acid

Author: Mark Velov Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Sorbic acid (E 200) is a supplement of artificial origin and low level of danger. In the food industry it is used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of products.

Sorbic acid ( E 200 ) is a supplement of artificial origin and low level of danger. In the food industry it is used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of products. Other names under which it can be found are: E 200, sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a colorless and slightly water-soluble crystals that have a faint and characteristic odor. Dissolves in ethanol, ether, propylene glycol, peanut oil, glycerin and acetic acid.

It was obtained from the juice of rowan (in Latin Sorbus, hence its name). The chemical formula of the compound is C6H8O2. E 200 is characterized by antimicrobial properties, is not toxic or carcinogenic. In moderation it has a beneficial effect on the human body: it increases immunity and helps to detoxify the body. Sorbic acid is found naturally in some types of berries - rowan, Chinese lemongrass and mountain ash.

In foodstuffs, the concentration of the additive should be from 30 to 300 grams per 100 kg of finished product. The food additive is produced on an industrial scale by condensation of crotonaldehyde and ketene using acid catalysts. The additive is approved as a safe ingredient by the Food and Drug Administration (FAO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It is banned for use in Australia.

Use of sorbic acid / E 200

Sorbic acid and potassium sorbate (E 202) have become major preservatives for use in food due to their good antimicrobial activity and effectiveness in the low acid pH range.

The food supplement E 200 is usually used to prevent food from spoiling by stopping the growth of molds (also molds that form mycotoxins), yeast and some bacteria.

Foods and beverages containing sorbic acid and the maximum permitted levels:

juices and soft drinks;
confectionery and bakery products;
dried fruit;
cheese, yoghurt, condensed milk and other dairy products (<0.2%), and in combination with sodium sorbate (<0.3%);
fruit jellies and jams (<0.1%);
concentrated orange juice (<0.2%);
margarine (<0.1% alone) or in combination with other preservatives (<0.2%);
sausages and dried meats;
pet food and others.

Sorbic acid can be added to food in several ways:

to be used directly;
in powder form;
to be sprayed on a food surface;
to be immersed in sorbate solutions to prepare certain concentrations;
in packaging materials.

The additive can be used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products to inhibit the growth of yeast and mold. In addition, it is vegan, produced without the use of animal substances or products derived from animal origin. This makes E 200 a suitable supplement for vegetarian foods.

Influence on man

E 200 is the most widely used additive in the food industry due to the fact that it is safe for humans. However, there may be possible mild side effects. According to some sources, it can cause skin irritations and rashes, allergies and irritation of the skin, scalp and eyes, dermatitis (caused by skin care products), digestive problems (diarrhea) and destruction of vitamin B12.

E200 - Sorbic Acid

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Use of sorbic acid / E 200

Influence on man

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