Potassium sorbate

Animal and lab studies only

• Open question

  Daily intake limits⁶

  In animal studies, experts set a daily intake limit for potassium sorbate and sorbic acid.

• Concern

  blood cell DNA damage⁷

  In lab studies, potassium sorbate damaged DNA in human blood cells, but it is unclear if this happens in people.

• Concern

  Cell damage from mixing additives⁸

  In lab studies, potassium sorbate with aspartame showed more cell damage signs than either alone.

• Concern

  Liver cell genes¹⁰

  In lab studies, potassium sorbate changed how liver cells switch certain genes on and off.

Study type not stated

• Concern

  Preservative levels in everyday foods³

  In one cake sample, potassium sorbate was above the limit, and its combined risk measure for several foods was above one.

• No harm found

  Preservatives in drinks⁵

  Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate in soft drinks, energy drinks and juices stayed within limits, with no safety risk found for consumers.

How it’s made and used

• Preservatives in a yogurt drink⁴

  Potassium sorbate levels in doogh stayed within international limits and below the daily intake considered acceptable.

• Mold growth on sausages⁹

  In lab studies, potassium sorbate slowed mold growth, but methyl p-hydroxybenzoate worked better on most molds tested.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.