What is E200?
Sorbic acid (E200) is a preservative used in specified foods to help control spoilage. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice the food category, amount and wider formulation.
E200 is sorbic acid, a preservative used in selected foods. Its permission and use level depend on the food category and the applicable rules.
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What is Sorbic acid?
Sorbic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid used for its preservative function. It can help slow the growth of some microorganisms in foods where its use is authorised.
What's it used for?
- Preserving selected foods
- Supporting stability during storage
- Working with other permitted preservation methods
Where you'll find E200 on the shelf
It is most relevant to preserved foods, some dairy and bakery products, sauces, beverages and other formulations where preservation is needed.
Is E200 permitted? What the regulators say
Sorbic acid is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with food-category, specification and use-level conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists sorbic acid as additive 200; Schedule 15 food-category permissions and maximum levels apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E200 sorbic acid for specified categories and levels. The category and maximum level matter. |
| US United States (FDA) | GRAS for intended use | FDA 21 CFR 182.3089 recognises sorbic acid as GRAS when used in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E200 Caution to encourage label and formulation awareness. This is not a claim that permitted sorbic acid use is harmful.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 200.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list, E200 sorbic acid.
- FDA 21 CFR 182.3089 sets the US good manufacturing practice condition.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing preserved foods
- People who prefer to understand preservative systems
- People following professional advice about individual sensitivities
Goodnessly rates E200 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sorbic acid
- 200 or E200
- Preservative (200)
- Sorbate preservative
The label may show sorbic acid, E200/200 or the functional class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E200?
E200 is sorbic acid, a preservative used in specified food applications.
Is E200 permitted?
E200 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use level still matter.
Why is sorbic acid rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice the preservative, amount and wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E200?
Goodnessly rates E200 (sorbic acid) as Caution.
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