E202 is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. This organic acid is contained in the juice of mountain ash, and was first isolated from it by August Hoffmann in 1859, incidentally, its name was given in honor of the Latin name of the genus Rowan - Sorbus. The first synthetic sorbic acid was synthesized in 1900 by Oscar Döbner. Salts of this acid are obtained by its interaction with alkalis. The compounds obtained are called sorbates. Sorbates of potassium, calcium and sodium, as well as acid itself, are used as a preservative in the food, cosmetic and pharmacological industries, because these substances can suppress the growth of mold and yeast fungi, as well as some bacteria.
Where is e202 contained?
This is a very common preservative. It is used in the preparation of food products such as:
- mayonnaise and mayonnaise sauces;
- cheeses;
- sausages and meat semi-finished products ;
- vegetable and fruit preserves;
- juices;
- fillers for yogurt;
- cakes and pastries;
- soft drinks;
- wine.
Also, potassium sorbate is used in cosmetics for the preparation of shampoos, lotions, creams. Often, potassium sorbate is used in conjunction with other preservatives, so that these far from harmless substances can be added to products in smaller quantities.
Is E202 harmful or not?
As a food supplement E202 used since the middle of the last century, but there is still no convincing information about its adverse effects on the human body. During the entire period of use of E202, the only manifestations of harm caused by this supplement were allergic reactions, which sometimes occurred when it was used.
However, there is an assumption that the use of any preservatives can be dangerous.
Based on these considerations, the amount of potassium sorbate in food products is strictly limited to a number of international agreements and documents. On average, its content in food should not exceed 0.2 g to 1.5 g per kilogram of finished product.