International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 212
Food additives Europe numbers: E212
Functional Category
Antimicrobial preservative; tablet and capsule lubricant.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Potassium benzoate is predominantly used as an antimicrobial preservative in a wide range of beverages, foods and some pharmaceutical formulations. Preservative efficacy increases with decreasing pH; it is most effective at pH 4.5 or below. However, at low pH undissociated benzoic acid may produce a slight though discernible taste in food products. Increasingly, potassium benzoate is used as an alternative to sodium benzoate in applications where a low sodium content is desirable. Therapeutically, potassium benzoate has also been used in the management of hypokalemia
Description
Potassium benzoate occurs as a slightly hygroscopic, white, odorless or nearly odorless crystalline powder or granules. Aqueous solutions are slightly alkaline and have a sweetish astringent taste.
Stability and Storage Conditions
Potassium benzoate is stable at room temperature under normal storage conditions. Since it is slightly hygroscopic, potassium benzoate should be stored in sealed containers. Exposure to conditions of high humidity and elevated temperatures should be avoided.
Incompatibilities
Potassium benzoate is incompatible with strong acids and strong oxidizing agents.
Safety
Potassium benzoate is widely used in food products and is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material. However, people with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions when exposed to potassium benzoate. Ingestion is inadvisable for asthmatics. Higher concentrations of potassium benzoate have been reported to cause irritation to mucous membranes. The WHO acceptable daily intake of total benzoates including potassium benzoate, calculated as benzoic acid, has been estimated at up to 5 mg/kg of body-weight.(1,2)