FDA Status
GRAS
Sorbic Acid (E200), CAS 110-44-1, is a preservative additive holding a composite safety score of 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as GRAS, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 989 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Cheese, wine, baked goods.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Sorbic Acid to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Sorbic Acid, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2015/06/30, with an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 3. EFSA has noted an overexposure risk classification of "high" for typical consumption patterns. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E200 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 110-44-1 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | 3 | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 989 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
5.0 / 5
Composite Safety Generally Safe
Safety Score: 5 out of 5
Safety Rating 100.0%
EU Status
Approved
E200
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Sorbic Acid receives a safety score of 5/5 (Generally Safe) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA classifies Sorbic Acid as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), meaning qualified experts consider it safe under intended conditions of use.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Sorbic Acid. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Sorbic Acid?
Naturally occurring preservative against molds.
Health Concerns
- Very safe. Least toxic common preservative.
Common Uses
Cheese, wine, baked goods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sorbic Acid safe to consume?
Sorbic Acid has a safety score of 5/5 (Generally Safe). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Sorbic Acid used for in food?
Sorbic Acid is commonly used as: Cheese, wine, baked goods. It belongs to the Preservative category of food additives.
Is Sorbic Acid banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Sorbic Acid. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Sorbic Acid?
The FDA classifies Sorbic Acid as "GRAS", while the EU status is "Approved" (E200). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Sorbic Acid?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sorbic Acid: Very safe. Least toxic common preservative.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Sorbic Acid calculated?
The safety score of 5/5 for Sorbic Acid is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Preservative Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial