Additive E202 or potassium sorbate: the effect on health

The modern food industry, unfortunately, can not do without dyes, fragrances and preservatives. According to WHO, they are all safe and can not cause serious harm to health. However, some of them are still recommended to eat in limited quantities, while others are not. One of the most harmless is the addition of E202. The impact on the human body, according to the same WHO, is minimal. However, some scientists question this truth. But what are they so embarrassed about it?

What is E202?

Additive E202 or potassium sorbate is a natural preservative derived from sorbic acid. From the chemical point of view, this is simply an acid salt and has the formula C ₆ H ₇ KO ₂ . It is obtained from seeds and sap of plants (for example, mountain ash), less often synthesized. For the first time this was done in the second half of the 19th century. But only in the 20th century its antimicrobial properties were discovered. A little later, potassium sorbate was commercially produced.

Influence on health was still little studied, in contrast to the properties of this food supplement. Thus, it is known for certain that the addition of E202 slows the growth of mold fungi and yeast, so it can be used to extend the shelf life of cheese and sausages. In addition, he has neither taste nor smell. This makes it possible to add it as a preservative in various confectionery desserts, vegetable and fruit preserves and juices. Since it behaves perfectly even in an acidic environment, potassium sorbate can often be found in spicy and spicy Asian sauces.

But basically, of course, he got his popularity in the food industry, thanks to another property. E202 is an additive that dissolves well in water. So, in 1 liter of liquid it can be up to 138 grams. This is much more than is required for the preservation of products.

Where is it used?

Speaking about potassium sorbate, it can be said with certainty that this is one of the most popular food additives. So, it is almost always added in the industrial canning of vegetables and fruits. And these are all kinds of pickles, marinades, jams, compotes and juices. This prevents the appearance of mold in them, and therefore prolongs the shelf life. For every 100 kg of the finished product will not be more than 100-200 grams. It is believed that in this amount, potassium sorbate has no effect on health.

It is also almost always present in oil-fat products. And this is margarine, mayonnaise and all sorts of cheeses. In popular hot sauces (mustard, ketchup, soybean and others), the addition of E202 can also be used. Usually it is not more than 100 grams in 100 kilograms of the product. And, of course, it is a part of the majority of smoked products, canned fish and non-alcoholic carbonated drinks and wines. Less commonly, potassium sorbate is used for processing the surface of rye bread, as well as food packaging.

Is there any harm?

On the one hand, WHO says that such a dietary supplement, like potassium sorbate, has no impact on health within the acceptable limits. By the way, it should not be more than 0.2% of the total weight of the finished product. On the other hand, many scientists argue that the E202 supplement has not been sufficiently studied and there are cases of food poisoning with products with it. Who is right, after all?

It has already been proved that potassium sorbate is fully absorbed by the human body, decomposing into its components in the intestine. It is with this fact that its wide application is connected. Е202 is allowed as an additive in most countries: the USA, Canada, Europe, Russia and throughout the post-Soviet space. However, in some cases, potassium sorbate can cause an allergic reaction, manifested as redness and itchy skin. In the rest, this food supplement can be considered absolutely harmless.

To be or not to be?

However, many are now concerned about the presence of additives in the food with the prefix "E". It is important to understand that this is just a classification. What will the potassium sorbate effect on health, still depends on many other factors. Including what is generally consumed and what kind of lifestyle people lead.