What is E200? (Food Additive Explained)
E200 is sorbic acid — a widely used preservative that prevents the growth of mould, yeast, and fungi in food. It's commonly found in cheese, wine, baked goods, dried fruits, and dressings.
What is E200?
Full name: Sorbic Acid
E200 is sorbic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid that was originally isolated from the berries of the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) in the 1850s. Today it's produced synthetically on an industrial scale. It's one of the most commonly used preservatives in the food industry, valued for its effectiveness against moulds and yeasts with relatively low toxicity.
What does E200 do in food?
E200 inhibits the growth of moulds, yeasts, and some bacteria in food products. It works best in slightly acidic conditions (pH below 6.5), which makes it ideal for products like cheese, wine, fruit juices, and salad dressings. It extends shelf life significantly without noticeably affecting the taste, colour, or texture of food at the concentrations used.
Where is E200 found?
E200 is commonly found in:
- Cheese and processed cheese
- Wine and cider
- Baked goods and bread
- Salad dressings and mayonnaise
- Dried and preserved fruits
- Fruit juices and soft drinks
Is E200 bad for you?
E200 is considered one of the safer preservatives. EFSA has set an ADI of 25 mg/kg body weight per day, and it's approved for use worldwide. It's metabolised by the body through normal fatty acid pathways — essentially broken down in the same way as other fats. Allergic reactions are rare. Some studies have noted mild skin irritation from direct contact at high concentrations, but this is not a concern at dietary levels. Overall, sorbic acid is one of the least controversial preservatives in use.
Why E200 matters for food choices
While E200 itself is considered safe, its presence on a label is still a signal that the product has been manufactured to last longer than its natural shelf life. Under the NOVA classification, preservatives are one of the markers of industrial processing. A cheese with E200 has been formulated for supermarket distribution; an artisan cheese from a deli counter probably hasn't. The preservative tells you something about the food's journey from factory to plate.
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