Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 Potassium Sorbate on Food Labels in UK

Potassium Sorbate is permitted with proper declaration in United Kingdom: declare as "potassium sorbate (E202)" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Mold and yeast inhibiting preservative widely used in cheese, wine, and baked goods. In United Kingdom, Potassium Sorbate is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food preservative. UK retains EU authorization. Same declaration requirements. Functional class "preservative" must precede the name.

What You Must Include

Declare as "potassium sorbate (E202)" in the ingredient list
Declare with functional class: "preservative" and E-number E202
Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources

Common Violations

Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "potassium sorbate (E202)"
Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Potassium Sorbate
Omitting the E-number E202 where required
Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Potassium Sorbate content

Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"preservative: potassium sorbate (E202)"

"potassium sorbate (E202)" in ingredient list

Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... potassium sorbate (E202) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt) without the approved declaration name

Ingredient list with "Potassium Sorbate" without functional class or E-number

"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required

How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Potassium Sorbate and all its common names (E202, Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under UK rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Potassium Sorbate be declared on food labels in UK?

Declare as "potassium sorbate (E202)" in the ingredient list. UK retains EU authorization. Same declaration requirements. Functional class "preservative" must precede the name.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Potassium Sorbate?

Potassium Sorbate may appear under the following names: E202, Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid potassium salt. Common hidden sources include: Cheese, Wine, Bread, Hummus, Dried fruit, Yoghurt, Salad dressings, Fruit juices.

Is Potassium Sorbate banned or restricted in any market?

Potassium Sorbate is permitted in all major markets with proper declaration.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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