E202

This section is about
E-numbers (Preservatives).

To read about other E-numbers use the links on the left.

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E202 is a food additive approved by the European Union (EU) and used as an antifungal and antibacterial synthetic preservative in food and drink products.

E202 is also known by the common name potassium sorbate, and by the chemical name potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate.

This preservative is made by reacting sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. It is therefore the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It acts to inhibit moulds and yeasts in food and drinks such as cheese, dried meat, yogurt and wine. Our search to prepare this page didn't reveal any adverse effects reported due to use of E202.

Examples of food and drink products that sometimes include E202:

• salad dressings
• seafood dressings
• dessert sauces
• fermented milks
• frozen pizzas
• glacé cherries
• fruit salads
• jams
• preservatives

Note⁽¹⁾ The list of Food Additives (E Numbers) included in this section is subject to change as chemicals are added or removed by regulatory authorities. IvyRose cannot guarantee that this list is complete or that all details are up to date.

Note⁽²⁾ These numbers are also used in Australia and New Zealand but without the E.

Government approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change.

Regulatory approvals and advice can change over time.

This was added in 2007-08. For current details please check with the relevant authorities.