# Sorbic Acid (E200) > Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/sorbic-acid > Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/sorbic-acid.md **Safety rating:** SAFE **E-number:** E200 **CAS number:** 110-44-1 **Category:** flavoring **FDA GRAS:** yes **Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0 **FDA recalls:** 0 **Last updated:** 2026-04-04 ## Summary Sorbic acid (CAS 110-44-1) is a naturally occurring organic compound used primarily as a preservative and flavoring agent in food products. It works by inhibiting the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria, extending shelf life while maintaining food quality and safety. ## 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 Sorbic Acid? Sorbic acid is a straight-chain unsaturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C₆H₈O₂. Despite being classified as a flavoring agent in FDA regulations, sorbic acid is most widely recognized and utilized for its preservative properties rather than flavor contribution. The compound was first isolated from the berries of the rowan tree (Sorbus species) in the 1850s, though it is now primarily produced through chemical synthesis for commercial food applications. ## Common Uses Sorbic acid is employed extensively throughout the food industry as a food preservative. It is commonly found in: - Baked goods and bread products - Cheese and dairy products - Dried fruits and fruit products - Beverages and fruit juices - Cured and processed meats - Margarine and spreads - Pickled vegetables - Wine and fermented products The FDA permits sorbic acid in foods at levels up to 0.2% by weight, though typical use levels are considerably lower. The preservative works most effectively in acidic foods with pH below 6.5, making it particularly valuable for products like jams, jellies, and pickled items. ## Safety Assessment Sorbic acid has been extensively studied for safety over several decades. The FDA granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status to sorbic acid, reflecting its long history of safe use in food. The additive has generated zero adverse event reports in FDA databases and zero product recalls specifically attributed to sorbic acid contamination or safety issues. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted comprehensive reviews of sorbic acid and concluded that it is safe for the general population at current levels of exposure. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by EFSA is 25 mg/kg of body weight per day, a conservative threshold based on animal toxicity studies. Sorbic acid is readily absorbed and metabolized in the human body through beta-oxidation, a normal metabolic pathway for fatty acids. It is largely excreted in urine, with minimal bioaccumulation in tissues. Studies in both animals and humans have shown no significant toxicological effects, reproductive effects, or carcinogenic potential at levels relevant to food use. ## Regulatory Status Sorbic acid is regulated as a food additive in most major markets worldwide. In the United States, it is approved by the FDA for use in specified food categories with defined maximum use levels. The European Union classifies sorbic acid as a permitted food additive (E200) for use in numerous food categories under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Canada, Australia, and Japan similarly permit sorbic acid use with established safety limits. The additive is also approved for use in organic food production by some certifying bodies, as certain natural sources of sorbic acid exist, though synthetic production dominates the market due to cost and consistency considerations. ## Key Studies Long-term animal toxicity studies conducted in rats and mice at high dietary levels (up to 5% of diet) showed no adverse effects on growth, organ function, or histology. Reproduction and developmental toxicity studies found no effects on fertility, developmental toxicity, or teratogenicity at tested levels. Human intervention studies have demonstrated that sorbic acid at consumption levels far exceeding typical dietary exposure is well-tolerated with no adverse gastrointestinal effects or systemic toxicity. Metabolism studies confirm rapid conversion to normal metabolic intermediates. A 2019 review in Food and Chemical Toxicology examining decades of safety data concluded that sorbic acid remains safe for use as a food preservative at regulatory levels. ## Brands using Sorbic Acid - Hidden Valley (22 products) - Velveeta (22 products) - Wish-Bone (22 products) - Jimmy Dean (15 products) - Pepperidge Farm (13 products) - Bimbo (10 products) - Mission Foods Inc (9 products) - Thomas' (9 products) - Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. (8 products) - Philadelphia (8 products) - Sara Lee (8 products) - THOMAS' (8 products) - Thomas (8 products) - McKee Foods Corporation (7 products) - Unilever Bestfoods North America (7 products) - Hellmann's (6 products) - Mission (5 products) - Monster Energy Company (5 products) - Hannaford Bros. Co. (4 products) - Monster Energy (4 products) - Hostess Brands, LLC (3 products) - KEN'S (3 products) - Kraft (3 products) - Kraft Heinz Foods Company (3 products) - La Tortilla Factory (3 products) - Ole Mexican Foods, Inc. (3 products) - Perfection Bakeries, Inc. (3 products) - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (3 products) - Ball Park (2 products) - LIDL (2 products) ## 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. "Sorbic Acid (E200) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/sorbic-acid. Accessed 2026-05-19.