| E212 is a food additive
approved by the European Union (EU) and used as an antifungal and antibacterial
synthetic
preservative in food products, that works by inhibiting mould, yeasts
and some bacteria.
E212 is also known by the common name of potassium
benzoate and is the
potassium salt of benzoic acid (E210).
The preservative acts as an alternative to sodium benzoate in foods
that need low sodium content. E212 is not recommended for use in a pH
greater than 4.5 but is recognised as a safe chemical in most cases.
Allergic reactions to E211 may occur in people who suffer from asthma,
the skin disease urticaria or those sensitive to aspirin, especially
when taken in conjunction with tartrazine (E102).
Examples of food/drink products that may include E212:
Pickles, olives, prepared salads, tomato-based products, jam and margarine.
Note(1) that the list of Food
Additives (E Numbers) included in this section and listed on the left
is subject to change as more chemicals are added by the EU Regulatory
Authorities. IvyRose cannot guarantee that this list complete.
Note(2) These numbers are also used in Australia and
New Zealand but without the E.
Government approvals
and other regulatory details are subject to change.
This
was added on 16 July 2008. If details are important to you, check
with relevant agencies.
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