What is E202?
Potassium sorbate (E202) is a preservative used to slow the growth of microorganisms in selected foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice preservative systems.
E202 is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is used in specified foods where controlling spoilage organisms is part of the preservation system.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Potassium sorbate?
E202 is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is used in specified foods where controlling spoilage organisms is part of the preservation system.
What's it used for?
- Supporting preservation
- Helping maintain shelf stability
- Working with acidity, packaging and other controls
- Protecting selected foods from spoilage organisms
Where you'll find E202 on the shelf
It is most relevant to sauces, fruit preparations, bakery foods, beverages and other foods with a defined preservation need.
Is E202 safe? What the regulators say
Potassium sorbate is permitted across the three systems checked, but permissions are category-specific and do not mean every food can contain it at any level.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists potassium sorbate as additive 202 in Schedule 15, with permissions and maximum levels set by food category. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E202 is on the EU Union list, generally alongside sorbic acid and related sorbates, with category-specific maximum levels. |
| US United States (FDA) | Generally recognised as safe for specified use | FDA 21 CFR 182.3640 lists potassium sorbate as GRAS for use in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E202 Caution to encourage awareness of preservative systems, not as a claim that authorised potassium-sorbate use causes harm.
- FSANZ Schedule 15 sets category permissions for sorbates including additive 202.
- EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Annex II includes E202 with category conditions.
- 21 CFR 182.3640 provides the US potassium-sorbate GRAS regulation.
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 who prefer fewer preservatives
- People comparing sauces, fruit products and bakery foods
- People following professional advice about a specific sensitivity
Preservation can be useful for shelf stability; compare the complete product, serving pattern and storage instructions.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Potassium sorbate
- 202 or E202
- Preservative (202)
- Sorbate
Look for potassium sorbate, sorbate or the preservative class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E202?
E202 is potassium sorbate, a preservative used in selected food categories.
Is potassium sorbate permitted?
Potassium sorbate is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU, and is listed as GRAS for specified use under US 21 CFR 182.3640.
Why is potassium sorbate rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a prompt to notice preservative systems and compare the whole product.
How does Goodnessly rate E202?
Goodnessly rates E202 (potassium sorbate) as Caution.
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