E212 - Potassium benzoate - Page 31
Functions: Preservative
Potassium benzoate -E212-, the potassium salt of benzoic acid, is a food preservative that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria. It works best in low-pH products, below 4.5, where it exists as benzoic acid. Acidic foods and beverages such as fruit juice -citric acid-, sparkling drinks -carbonic acid-, soft drinks -phosphoric acid-, pickles -vinegar-, and frogurt toppings may be preserved with potassium benzoate. It is approved for use in most countries including Canada, the U.S., and the EU, where it is designated by the E number E212. Potassium benzoate is also used in the whistle in many fireworks. - Wikipedia
EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of benzoic acid -E 210-, sodium benzoate -E 211-, potassium benzoate -E 212- and calcium benzoate -E 213- as food additives (2016-03-31)
To evaluate your exposure to the E212 - Potassium benzoate food additive, you can browse our list of products that contain it. See the list of
Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adolescents | Adults | Elderly | |
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< 1 | 1 to 2 | 3 to 9 | 10 to 17 | 18 to 64 | 65+ | |
High risk (50% of people or more) | ||||||
Moderate risk (5% of people or more) |
: Risk of reaching or exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)