Is E202 halal?

What is E202?

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid (E200). It is made by reacting synthetic sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. It dissolves well in water, which makes it the most practical form of sorbate for drinks, syrups and moist foods.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Both parts of the molecule come from synthetic or mineral sources: sorbic acid made from petrochemicals, and potassium from a mineral base. No animal ingredient or alcohol is used in making it, so it is generally treated as halal.

How to check the label

No special check is needed. On labels it can appear as “preservative: potassium sorbate” or simply E202. Read the rest of the ingredient list as usual.

Where you'll find it

• soft drinks
• cheese
• baked goods
• fruit fillings
• sauces

Good to know

• EFSA's group acceptable daily intake for sorbic acid and potassium sorbate is 11 mg per kg of body weight per day (2019), replacing a temporary 3 mg/kg set in 2015.
• According to EFSA, the body breaks sorbic acid down and gets rid of it mainly as exhaled carbon dioxide.

Similar additives

• E200 Sorbic acid Generally halal
• E211 Sodium benzoate Generally halal
• E220 Sulphur dioxide Generally halal
• E250 Sodium nitrite Generally halal
• E260 Acetic acid Generally halal
• E282 Calcium propionate Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of sorbic acid, potassium and calcium sorbate (2015)
2. EFSA follow-up on sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) (2019)

Frequently asked questions