preservative INS 203

Calcium sorbate E203

antimicrobial — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Calcium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate

CAS: 7492-55-9

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Calcium sorbate?

Calcium sorbate is a calcium salt of sorbic acid used as a mold and yeast inhibitor in baked goods, dairy products, and fruit-based foods. It functions identically to potassium sorbate (E202), and shares the same ADI of 25 mg/kg body weight (as sorbic acid) established by JECFA. EFSA reviewed sorbates as a group in 2015, confirming safety at permitted use levels. It is permitted in the EU under Regulation EC 1333/2008.

? Did You Know?

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~180 grams of cheese with calcium sorbate (1000ppm) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Same limits as E200-E202 expressed as sorbic acid

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Approved as antimicrobial preservative

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Permitted preservative

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–25 mg/kg bw/day (as sorbic acid)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

3 mg/kg bw/day (as sorbic acid)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~180 of grams of cheese with calcium sorbate (1000ppm)

~1mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by neutralizing sorbic acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium sorbate (E203)?

Calcium sorbate (E203) is a preservative used in food products. It is antimicrobial and synthetic. A preservative closely related to E202 (potassium sorbate). Prevents mold and yeast growth in food products.

What is the ADI for Calcium sorbate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Calcium sorbate is 0–25 mg/kg bw/day (as sorbic acid) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Calcium sorbate?

Calcium sorbate is used in various food categories including Multiple food categories. It is used as a preservative in these products.

Primary Research & Evidence