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E203: Calcium sorbate / Sorbic acid calcium salt

t-2, 4-hexadienoic acid calcium salt; 2-propenylacrylic acid calcium salt

Origin:
Calcium salt of sorbic acid (E200), which naturally occurs in the fruit of the European Mountain-ash (Sorbus aucuparia ), after which the acid is named. It is commercially produced by several different chemical pathways.

Function & characteristics:
Sorbic acid is a preservative, mainly against fungi and yeasts. It is not effective against bacteria. Optimal activity is at pH values below 6.5 (acid and slightly acid foods). Calcium sorbate is used mainly in dairy products; its activity is similar to that of sorbic acid.

Products:
Calcium sorbate is used mainly in dairy products and rye bread.

Daily intake:
Up to 25 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
No side effects in the concentrations used. Only a very small percentage of people show slight pseudo-allergic reactions.

Dietary restrictions:
None � sorbates can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.