Potassium Benzoate
Potassium benzoate is GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1733 (as benzoic acid/benzoate group). EFSA's 2016 reevaluation set a group ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day expressed as benzoic acid and noted the ADI could be exceeded in toddlers and children at high consumption of flavored drinks.
What it is
Potassium benzoate, the potassium salt of benzoic acid; a chemical preservative.
Preservative effective against yeasts, molds, and some bacteria, particularly in acidic foods (pH < 4.5).
Why it's flagged
- EFSA noted group ADI may be exceeded in toddlers/children at high consumption of flavored drinks
- Can form trace benzene with ascorbic acid in beverages
What regulators actually say
"The Panel derived an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 5 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as benzoic acid) using an uncertainty factor of 100."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as a chemical preservative (21 CFR 184.1733 covers benzoic acid; potassium salt typically under 184.1490 or general GRAS use).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized E 212; group ADI 5 mg/kg bw/day as benzoic acid (EFSA, 2016).
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