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Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 Potassium Sorbate on Food Labels in UK

Potassium Sorbate is permitted with proper declaration in United Kingdom: declare as "potassium sorbate (E202)" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Potassium sorbate (E202) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a preservative that suppresses mould and yeast growth in cheese, baked goods, dried fruit, and drinks. In United Kingdom, Potassium Sorbate is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food preservative. UK retains EU authorization. Same declaration requirements. Functional class "preservative" must precede the name.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "potassium sorbate (E202)" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "preservative" and E-number E202
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "potassium sorbate (E202)"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Potassium Sorbate
  • Omitting the E-number E202 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Potassium Sorbate content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"preservative: potassium sorbate (E202)"
"potassium sorbate (E202)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... potassium sorbate (E202) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Potassium Sorbate" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Potassium Sorbate and all its common names (E202, Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under UK rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is potassium sorbate (E202)?

Potassium sorbate (E202) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a preservative that suppresses mould and yeast growth in cheese, baked goods, dried fruit, and drinks. It commonly appears in: Cheese, Wine, Bread, Hummus, Dried fruit.

Is potassium sorbate bad for you?

It is regarded as one of the safest preservatives in use: the body metabolises it like a fatty acid, and EFSA set a group ADI of 11 mg/kg body weight per day (2019, expressed as sorbic acid). Rare mild skin or mucous-membrane irritation is the only commonly reported reaction.

How must Potassium Sorbate be declared on food labels in UK?

Declare as "potassium sorbate (E202)" in the ingredient list. UK retains EU authorization. Same declaration requirements. Functional class "preservative" must precede the name.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Potassium Sorbate?

Potassium Sorbate may appear under the following names: E202, Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt. Common hidden sources include: Cheese, Wine, Bread, Hummus, Dried fruit, Yoghurt, Salad dressings, Fruit juices.

Is potassium sorbate banned in UK or other markets?

Potassium Sorbate is permitted in all major markets with proper declaration.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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