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E212 Potassium benzoate

E212PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made
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The short answer
Potassium benzoate (E212) is a salt of benzoic acid that slows mold and yeast in acidic foods and drinks. It is vegan and gluten-free, and it is widely permitted, though it is used less often than sodium benzoate.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE212
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesPreservatives
Glycemic index—
Daily limit5 mg/kg
Also calledE212, Benzoate of potash

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

The US lists it as generally recognized as safe. The EU allows it in set foods and drinks within maximum levels, and Health Canada permits it with limits.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

350 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 100 mg a day.

What is it?

Potassium benzoate works only in acidic foods, because its benzoic acid form is the active part. It blocks mold and yeast from growing, and it is used in juices, pickles, sauces and salad dressings.

Where it comes from: Made by neutralizing benzoic acid with potassium hydroxide. The benzoic acid itself is produced by chemical synthesis, though it also occurs naturally in some berries.

Why it’s in food

  • Stops mold and yeast in acidic foods
  • Adds potassium instead of sodium
  • Common in juices, pickles and sauces

Often found in

Fruit juice drinksPickled vegetablesSalad dressingsCondiments

Also listed as: E212, Benzoate of potash

Health & gut impact

Hives and asthmaConcern

A small group of people sensitive to aspirin, or with chronic hives, can react to benzoates with flares of hives or asthma. Most people never notice a reaction.

EFSA 2016 opinion on benzoic acid and its salts

Benzene in acidic drinksUnder study

When benzoates meet vitamin C in acidic drinks, a trace of benzene can form, especially with heat and light. Makers test for it and reformulate when needed.

FDA 2006 testing of soft drinks for benzene

What can I use instead?

Potassium sorbate (E202)

Ratio: About the same amount; it works across a slightly wider pH range

Best for: Acidic sauces and dressings

Citric acid (E330)

Ratio: Lowers pH but is not a true preservative, so store home jams cold

Best for: Home-made pickles and jams

Related

More preservatives:

Benzoic acid E210Benzoic acid (E210) is the parent of sodium benzoate. It keeps acidic foods from molding. It is allowed within a daily limit, and in soft drinks with vitamin C it can form a little benzene.Use in moderationCalcium benzoate E213Calcium benzoate (E213) is the calcium salt of benzoic acid, used as a mold and yeast inhibitor in acidic foods. It is vegan and gluten-free, and it is one of the least common benzoates on store labels.Use in moderationCalcium disodium EDTA (EDTA) E385Calcium disodium EDTA (E385) grabs stray metals so dressings, sodas and canned beans keep their color and flavor. Very little is absorbed, and it's safe in the small amounts allowed.Use in moderationCalcium Propionate E282Calcium propionate (E282) is the mold inhibitor in most packaged bread. It's considered safe, vegan and gluten-free, though a few small studies have raised questions about behavior in children and blood sugar.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is potassium benzoate the same as sodium benzoate?

No. Both are benzoate salts with the same preservative action. Potassium benzoate adds potassium rather than sodium, which suits people who watch their sodium intake.

Does potassium benzoate cause cancer?

Regulators have not found that it does at permitted levels. The concern is the small amount of benzene that can form in some acidic drinks, and makers test for it.

Is Potassium benzoate safe?

Use in moderation (62/100). The US lists it as generally recognized as safe. The EU allows it in set foods and drinks within maximum levels, and Health Canada permits it with limits.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E212
  • EFSA 2016 opinion on benzoic acid and its salts
  • FDA 2006 testing of soft drinks for benzene

INS 212 · CAS 582-25-2