preservative INS 212

Potassium Benzoate E212

organic acid salt — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Potassium benzenecarboxylate

CAS: 582-25-2

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Potassium Benzoate occurs naturally in Naturally derived from benzoic acid found in cranberries and Prunes. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Potassium Benzoate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~6 cans of soft drink (355ml at typical levels) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Maximum levels typically 150-6000 mg/kg depending on food type; concern about benzene formation when combined with ascorbic acid

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (indirect food additive)

Listed as indirect food additive for polymers in food contact surfaces; FDA has not defined intake recommendations for direct use

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Part of benzoate group with usage standards

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–5 mg/kg bw/day (group ADI for benzoic acid and benzoates)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

5 mg/kg bw/day (group ADI for benzoic acid and benzoates)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~6 of cans of soft drink (355ml at typical levels)

~50mg per serving

~40 of servings of pickles (50g at 150mg/kg)

~7.5mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

The potassium salt of benzoic acid. While benzoic acid occurs naturally in various fruits and spices, potassium benzoate is produced synthetically for commercial use. Most effective as a preservative in acidic conditions (pH below 4.5).

Naturally derived from benzoic acid found in cranberriesPrunesCinnamonCloves

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by neutralizing benzoic acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. Benzoic acid is synthesized from toluene through partial oxidation.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products

Medical

Used in liquid pharmaceutical preparations

Industrial

Used as a corrosion inhibitor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Benzoate (E212)?

Potassium Benzoate (E212) is a preservative used in food products. It is organic acid salt and synthetic. The potassium salt of benzoic acid. While benzoic acid occurs naturally in various fruits and spices, potassium benzoate is produced synthetically for commercial use. Most effective as a preservative in acidic conditions (pH below 4.5).

Where is Potassium Benzoate found naturally?

Potassium Benzoate is naturally found in Naturally derived from benzoic acid found in cranberries, Prunes, Cinnamon, Cloves. The potassium salt of benzoic acid. While benzoic acid occurs naturally in various fruits and spices, potassium benzoate is produced synthetically for commercial use. Most effective as a preservative in acidic conditions (pH below 4.5).

What is the ADI for Potassium Benzoate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Potassium Benzoate is 0–5 mg/kg bw/day (group ADI for benzoic acid and benzoates) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Potassium Benzoate?

Potassium Benzoate is used in various food categories including Flavoured drinks, Other confectionery. It is used as a preservative in these products.