About
Sorbic acid is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated short-chain fatty acid (2,4-hexadienoic acid) used as an antimicrobial food preservative to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and some bacteria. It is widely applied in cheese, baked goods, beverages, and other processed foods to extend shelf life.
Safety summary
EFSA established a group ADI of 11 mg sorbic acid per kg body weight per day in its 2019 follow-up re-evaluation, confirming that currently authorised uses do not exceed the ADI. No evidence of genotoxic activity was found for sorbic acid, and chronic animal toxicity studies showed no adverse effects at doses up to 9,200 mg/kg bw/day. Rare cases of contact dermatitis or skin sensitisation have been documented, but the general population faces no significant risk at permitted food-use levels.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Authorised under EC Regulation No 1333/2008 (Annex II). Group ADI of 11 mg sorbic acid/kg bw/day covers E200 and potassium sorbate (E202). Maximum permitted levels vary by food category (typically 500–2000 mg/kg). Calcium sorbate (E203) was withdrawn in 2018 (Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/98) due to unresolved genotoxicity data gaps. Scope further extended in 2025 to include non-heat-treated plant-based mousses via Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/2060.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Approved preservative (INS 200) under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Purity ≥99% required. Maximum permitted levels vary by category: e.g., 1000 ppm in cheese and certain beverages, 1500 ppm in flour confectionery, with wrapper impregnation permitted for smoked fish.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Listed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR 182.3089 as a chemical preservative. Use levels governed by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP); no explicit numerical ADI set by FDA.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. 21 CFR 182.3089 – Sorbic Acid (GRAS Chemical Preservative). accessdata.fda.gov
- 2FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 – Chapter 3: Substances Added to Food (Version 1, 01.09.2023), 2023. fssai.gov.in
- 3EFSA. Opinion on the follow-up of the re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E200) and potassium sorbate (E202) as food additives, 2019. efsa.europa.eu
- 4PubMed. Opinion on the follow-up of the re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E200) and potassium sorbate (E202) as food additives, 2019. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5EFSA. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and calcium sorbate (E 203) as food additives, 2015. efsa.europa.eu