What is Potassium Sorbate?

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What is Potassium Sorbate?
Potassium sorbate refers to the salt or white crystal-like powder from sorbic acid. Because of its anti-microbial and/or fungicidal properties, potassium sorbate is mainly used as preservative for a variety of food items. Because potassium sorbate is able to stop the activity and growth of fungi, yeasts, and molds, food items will not be spoiled easily and will have longer shelf life. Food items that use potassium sorbate as preservative include cheese, bread and pastries, yogurt, dried meat items, dried fruits, soda, and fruit drinks among a variety of others.

Beside food items and basic beverages, potassium sorbate is also widely used in the wine industry. Its main purpose is to stop the activity of yeast that remains after the wine has undergone the fermentation process already. In this way, the wine’s flavor and texture will be protected and preserved. Potassium sorbate also helps prevent the repeat of the fermentation process when wines are subjected to some sweetening before they are bottled. Common wines used with potassium sorbate are sweet types, sparkling wines and some table wines.

Because of its effectiveness against molds and fungi, potassium sorbate is also used in the manufacture of personal care products like soap, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other cosmetic products. Other uses of potassium sorbate include as intermediate in making plasticizers and lubricants, as part of the milling process of rubber, and as aid to the glossy finishes of certain coatings.

Potassium sorbate has been proven safe by several tests conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration for both its food preservative and personal care product use. But since it is a preservative, some people discourage the use of it as there are theories that it may cause some health problems, which may include allergic reactions, nausea, and/or diarrhea. For those who might have apprehensions in taking foods with preservatives, it is advised to read food labels before making any purchase.

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