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Sorbic acid (E200).
Sorbic acid is a natural preservative for food products, which was first obtained from the juice of ordinary mountain ash (hence the name Sorbus – mountain ash) in the middle of the XIX century by the German chemist August Hoffmann. A little later, after the experiments of Oscar Denbner, sorbic acid was obtained synthetically.
General Characteristics of Sorbic Acid
Sorbic acid is a small colorless and odorless crystals, very slightly soluble in water, the substance is non-toxic and is not a carcinogen. It is used as a food preservative with a wide spectrum of action (calorizator). The main property of Sorbic acid is antimicrobial, preventing the development of pathogenic microorganisms and fungi that cause mold, while not changing the organoleptic properties of products and not destroying beneficial bacteria. As a preservative, it increases the shelf life of food products by inhibiting the development of yeast cells.
Benefits and harms of E200 Sorbic Acid
Food supplement E200 Sorbic acid is easily absorbed by the human body, helps to increase immunity and successfully removes toxins, is a conditionally useful food supplement. But, nevertheless, E200 is known for its ability to destroy vitamin B12, which is necessary for the body for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Excessive consumption of products containing Sorbic acid can provoke allergic reactions and rashes on the skin of an inflammatory nature. The norm of consumption is considered acceptable-12.5 mg/kg of body weight, up to 25 mg/kg-conditionally permissible.
Application of E200
Traditionally, the food additive E200 is used in the food industry in order to increase the shelf life of products. Sorbic acid is found in dairy products and cheeses, sausages and other meat products, caviar. E200 contains soft drinks, fruit and berry juices, sauces, mayonnaise, confectionery (jams, jams and marmalades), bakery products.
Other areas of application of Sorbic acid were the tobacco industry, cosmetology and the manufacture of packaging containers for food.
The use of Sorbic acid
Throughout our country, it is allowed to use E200 as a preservative for the production of food products in acceptable standards.