Potassium Benzoate E212
organic acid salt — Primarily synthetic.
Potassium benzenecarboxylate
CAS: 582-25-2
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 Potassium Benzoate?
Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid (E210), functioning as an antimicrobial preservative in beverages, condiments, and pickled products. Like sodium benzoate (E211), it can form benzene when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under certain conditions of heat and light — a concern that led to industry reformulation efforts. EFSA and JECFA set group ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight (as benzoic acid). Approved globally including EU, USA, and most Codex member countries.
? Did You Know?
Potassium Benzoate occurs naturally in Naturally derived from benzoic acid found in cranberries and Prunes. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.
Beyond food, Potassium Benzoate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~6 cans of soft drink (355ml at typical levels) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)
Regulatory Analysis
Potassium benzoate (E212) belongs to the benzoate group (E210–E213) evaluated collectively by EFSA and JECFA under a group ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight per day, established in 2016. Its regulatory profile parallels sodium benzoate (E211) almost entirely: both raise the same two regulatory concerns — benzene formation when co-formulated with ascorbic acid in acidic beverages (addressed by FDA guidance in 2006), and inclusion alongside sodium benzoate in the 2007 Southampton study mixture on artificial colors and childhood hyperactivity. Neither concern produced a change in approved status. In the USA, E212 is listed primarily as an indirect food additive under 21 CFR 182.3640 for polymer applications; direct food use is less well-defined than for sodium benzoate, reflecting a labeling and classification gap rather than a substantive safety difference between the two benzoate salts.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Maximum levels typically 150-6000 mg/kg depending on food type; concern about benzene formation when combined with ascorbic acid
United States (FDA)
Listed as indirect food additive for polymers in food contact surfaces; FDA has not defined intake recommendations for direct use
Japan (MHLW)
Part of benzoate group with usage standards
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
Natural Occurrence
The potassium salt of benzoic acid. While benzoic acid occurs naturally in various fruits and spices, potassium benzoate is produced synthetically for commercial use. Most effective as a preservative in acidic conditions (pH below 4.5).
Manufacturing
Produced by neutralizing benzoic acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. Benzoic acid is synthesized from toluene through partial oxidation.
Applications Beyond Food
Used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products
Used in liquid pharmaceutical preparations
Used as a corrosion inhibitor