What is E203?
E203 is Calcium Sorbate — the calcium salt of sorbic acid, produced synthetically, used as a preservative to help prevent spoilage by stopping the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts.
What is E203 (Calcium Sorbate)?
E203 is the E-number for calcium sorbate, one of the preservatives group of food additives (E200–E299). Additives in this group prevent spoilage by stopping the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts. The calcium salt of sorbic acid, produced synthetically. Like every E-number, E203 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E203 in detail below.
Where is E203 found?
E203 is typically used in soft drinks, dried fruit, processed meats, sauces, baked goods and wine. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E203) or by its full name, calcium sorbate. Common foods that may contain E203 include:
- Soft drinks
- Dried fruit
- Processed meats
- Sauces
- Baked goods and wine
Full guide: foods containing E203 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E203 safe?
E203 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E203.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E203 vegan?
E203 is vegan. The calcium salt of sorbic acid, produced synthetically, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E203 →Is E203 halal?
E203 is halal. The calcium salt of sorbic acid, produced synthetically, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E203 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E203 in food?
E203 is Calcium Sorbate — the calcium salt of sorbic acid, produced synthetically, used as a preservative to help prevent spoilage by stopping the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts.
Is E203 safe to eat?
Yes. E203 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E203 vegan?
E203 is vegan. The calcium salt of sorbic acid, produced synthetically, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E203 halal?
E203 is halal. The calcium salt of sorbic acid, produced synthetically, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).