E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)

Direct Answer

E202 (Potassium Sorbate) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, offering 58% water solubility at room temperature. INS 202, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day, widely utilized in beverages, syrups, and cosmetics to block yeast fermentation.

Source: EFSA / JECFA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E202
INS / Codex Number	INS 202
Functional Class	Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent)
Chemical Formula	C6H7KO2
Primary Mechanism	Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells
Common Target Foods	Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing
Dietary Compliance	Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640)

Wine Fermentation Arrest

In commercial winemaking, potassium sorbate is added alongside sulfur dioxide (E220) before bottling sweet wines to prevent refermentation by residual yeast.