What is Potassium Benzoate (E212)?
Last updated on: 12/15/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
7
/10
Moderate Concern
Generally safe in regulated limits and approved by major regulators; intake monitoring is advised for children.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Potassium benzoate is a synthetic food preservative used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mould. It is very effective in acidic foods and beverages by extending shelf life and maintaining food safety. It is often used as an alternative to sodium benzoate, particularly in products where lower sodium content is desired.
Safety Summary
- Potassium benzoate has been evaluated and approved by major food safety authorities, including FDA, EFSA, WHO/JECFA, and FSSAI as part of the benzoates group.
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It is a widely used antimicrobial preservative with a long history of regulated use.
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WHO/JECFA has established a group Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for benzoic acid and benzoates of 0–20 mg per kg body weight per day, expressed as benzoic acid equivalents.
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Generally, dietary exposure is within the ADI when used according to permitted limits.
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Safety concerns mainly related to high cumulative intake for children, especially from soft drinks.
Who should be cautious?
Children with high consumption of soft drinks, Individuals sensitive to food preservatives, People consuming large quantities of acidic processed foods
Quick Facts
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E-Number : |
E212 |
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INS Number : |
INS-212 |
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Category : |
Preservative |
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Sub-category : |
Antimicrobial, Antifungal |
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Origin : |
Synthetic (nature-identical derivative) |
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Used In : |
Food |
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Alternative Names : |
212, Potassium salt of benzoic acid |
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Similar Ingredients : |
Sodium Benzoate(E211), Benzoic Acid(E210), Calcium Benzoate(E213) |
Common Products
You may find it in the following food products:
- Flavoured drinks,
- Fat spreads,
- Dairy fat spreads and blended spreads,
- flour,
- Confectionery,
- Chewing Gum etc.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
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Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
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2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
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Approved |
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3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
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Approved |
Maximum permitted levels vary by food category and are expressed as benzoic acid, either singly or in combination with other preservatives. Example limits (as benzoic acid, category-specific): |
Health concerns
- EFSA noted that dietary exposure may exceed the acceptable daily intake in toddlers and children if not monitored.
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WHO/JECFA evaluations indicate that potassium benzoate is not genotoxic or carcinogenic at permitted use levels.
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As with other benzoates, trace benzene formation may occur in beverages containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under certain storage conditions, which is why strict formulation and storage controls are required by regulators.
Conclusions
Potassium benzoate (E212) is a widely approved antimicrobial preservative used to protect acidic foods and beverages. It is considered safe within regulatory limits and shares a well-defined ADI like other benzoates. Moderation and compliance with permitted levels are key in minimizing potential exposure concerns, especially with children.