Potassium Sorbate

What is it? Is it natural, or not?

If you were to take a look around the internet, you’re unfortunately going to find a lot of misinformation on Potassium Sorbate, what it does and where it comes from. Lets clear some of those up so you can make a better informed decision.

What does it do?

Potassium Sorbate is a mold inhibitor that is widely used in moist and semi-moist foods and beverages for both humans and pets. It is FDA approved and has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status.

Is it natural?

This one is a bit of a yes, no and neither answer. Potassium Sorbate is a potassium salt of sorbic acid that is found in nature, but is not prevalent enough to be harvested ecologically on an industrial scale. Instead, it is produced through a Biomimetic Synthesis, which means it mimics the same chemical pathway and enzymes the plant or fruit does. It is so identical, in fact, that the EU has a separate “Like-Nature” classification for them. Unfortunately the FDA does not yet have a “Like Nature” classification, so in many cases it is considered synthetic by default.

Is it dangerous?

Sorbic acid was first isolated from Rowan Berries in the 1850s and commercial production and use of Potassium Sorbate soon followed. They have a very long usage and safety record and has been studied many times in the course of nearly 200 years.

But what about NutriNet‑Santé and others?

NutriNet‑Santé is a real observational study that was backed by many nutrition and safety consortiums and do show come potential associations (ie hypertension and cardiovascular risk). However, by intention, observational studies do not control any of the potential variables that a subject can encounter and many times the data is indirectly collected through the subject. There is infinite possibility for outside influence or even inaccurate data collection. They can and should only be used to call for more direct research of the findings which are more often than not later proven false.

Conclusion

Based on the total sum of research done in nearly 200 years: it is a safe and naturally occurring chemical that is highly effective. If you or your pet have a specific allergy to it: avoid it. If you are already at risk for cardiovascular conditions maybe avoid or limit exposure until more direct research is done over the next few years. Otherwise, be thankful to berries and science that you can eat that month old packaged muffin without getting sick or dying.