# Calcium Sorbate (E203)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E203
**CAS number:** 7492-55-9
**Category:** preservative
**FDA GRAS:** yes
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Calcium sorbate is the calcium salt of sorbic acid, a naturally occurring preservative that inhibits the growth of molds, yeasts, and some bacteria in food products. It is widely used in the food industry to extend shelf life and maintain product quality.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Calcium Sorbate?

Calcium sorbate (CAS Number 7492-55-9) is a food preservative derived from sorbic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in berries of the mountain ash tree. The additive consists of the calcium salt form of sorbic acid and appears as a white, odorless powder. When added to food products, calcium sorbate functions by inhibiting microbial growth, particularly targeting molds, yeasts, and select bacteria species that can cause food spoilage.

## Common Uses

Calcium sorbate is utilized across diverse food categories as a preservative to extend shelf life and maintain organoleptic quality. Common applications include:

- Baked goods and flour products
- Cheese and dairy products
- Beverages including fruit juices and soft drinks
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Jams, jellies, and fruit preserves
- Seafood products
- Vegetable and fruit preparations
- Salad dressings and condiments

The preservative works by converting to sorbic acid in the food environment, where it disrupts microbial cell membrane function and inhibits metabolic processes essential for microbial growth.

## Safety Assessment

Calcium sorbate has been extensively evaluated for safety by regulatory authorities worldwide. The FDA granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status to calcium sorbate, indicating that available scientific evidence demonstrates it is safe for its intended use in food. According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero recalls associated with calcium sorbate as of current data.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also reviewed sorbic acid and its salts, including calcium sorbate. The EFSA established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 3 mg/kg body weight per day, based on comprehensive toxicological studies.

Toxicological studies have demonstrated that calcium sorbate exhibits low acute toxicity. Animal studies show no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive/developmental toxicity at levels relevant to food use. Metabolism studies indicate that sorbic acid is readily metabolized and excreted in animal models.

## Regulatory Status

Calcium sorbate is approved for use as a food preservative in numerous countries and regions:

- **United States**: FDA GRAS approval; listed in 21 CFR 184.1676
- **European Union**: Approved as food additive E203; subject to specific use levels
- **Canada**: Permitted preservative under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations
- **Australia/New Zealand**: Approved under Food Standards Code
- **Japan**: Approved as a food additive
- **China**: Permitted use in specific food categories

Regulatory agencies set specific maximum permitted levels in different food categories to ensure safety while providing preservation benefits. These limits vary by jurisdiction and food type, typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 mg/kg depending on the product.

## Key Studies

Significant research supporting calcium sorbate safety includes:

- **EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2015)**: Comprehensive safety assessment of sorbic acid and its salts, confirming established ADI values and finding no new safety concerns
- **FDA GRAS Determination**: Based on extensive literature review demonstrating safety in intended use conditions
- **Metabolic Studies**: Research confirming rapid metabolism and excretion of sorbic acid in mammals, with minimal systemic accumulation
- **Antimicrobial Efficacy Studies**: Documented effectiveness against major spoilage organisms in various food matrices

Calcium sorbate remains one of the most widely used and well-studied food preservatives globally, with a safety profile supported by decades of use and rigorous scientific evaluation.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Calcium Sorbate (E203) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/calcium-sorbate. Accessed 2026-05-20.