Scientists from the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry named after NS Kurnakov RAS found that popular preservatives – potassium sorbate (E202), calcium sorbate (E203) and sodium sorbate (E201) – remain stable when heated and exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This makes them safe to use and easy to store. The Ministry of Education and Science noted that the discovery confirms the safety of these substances in the food and cosmetic industry.
Experts from the institute’s crystal chemistry laboratory studied the structure of sorbates in detail using X-ray methods. Researchers obtained protective crystals to study their behavior under the influence of temperature changes and UV rays. Junior researcher Paulina Calle said it was previously thought that heating potassium sorbate could cause chemical reactions harmful to health, but it turned out that this was just a structural rearrangement of the substance.
The results of the study showed that the sorbates remained stable and safe even when heated to 160°C. Similar properties have been found in other preservatives in this group. The discovery confirms that using sorbates as additives poses no risks; This is especially important for the food industry, where the stability and safety of ingredients are important.
Source: Ferra
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