Sodium Sorbate
Also known as: E201, sodium (E‚E)-hexa-2‚4-dienoate
Sodium sorbate is permitted in the United States and Canada (cheese, jams, margarine, etc.) but was delisted from the EU food additive list (E201 removed) due to genotoxicity concerns identified in some animal studies. Where used (US/Canada) it is regulated; EU has chosen the cautious approach.
What it is
Sodium sorbate (E201) — sodium salt of sorbic acid; a preservative against molds, yeasts, and some bacteria.
Preservative.
Why it's flagged
- genotoxicity concerns (basis for EU delisting)
- rare contact dermatitis
What regulators actually say
"Sorbic acid and its salts are generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."
"Sodium sorbate (E 201) — was removed from the EU list of authorised food additives following EFSA re-evaluation."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as preservative under 21 CFR 182.3795 (sorbic acid family GRAS)
European Union — EFSA
E201 removed from EU authorized food additives list
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