Additives
Potassium Benzoate (E212): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Moderate
Preservative · Antimicrobial
Similar to sodium benzoate. Also reacts with Vitamin C to potentially form benzene.
- Category
- Preservative — Antimicrobial
- Typically used in
- Margarine, drinks, olives
- Regulatory status
- Approved EU/USA/UK. Benzene risk with Vitamin C.
- Concerns flagged
-
Possible allergenCarcinogenicity concern
Scrannr flags Potassium Benzoate automatically when you scan a barcode.
Sources
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2016) — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of benzoic acid -E 210-, sodium benzoate -E 211-, potassium benzoate -E 212- and calcium benzoate -E 213- as food additives http://dx.doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4433
- McCann et al. (2007) — Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children: randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (Southampton study) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-3
Products
Products containing Potassium Benzoate
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