🧪 Category Reference Database • 26 Verified Entries

Preservatives Catalog

Antimicrobial and antioxidant preservatives.

26 Cataloged Compounds
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Showing 26 of 26 items
01

Sodium benzoate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Antimicrobial preservative
Common Label Aliases
E211
Scientific Overview

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid and is used as a preservative to prevent bacteria, mold and yeast growth.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Affirmation by FDA this ingredient is generally recognized as safe as a direct human food ingredient. (GRAS FDA-Affirmed) In 1973, the health aspects of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate for use as food additives were evaluated.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses.
Catalog ID: #154 Decode in Scanner
02

Potassium sorbate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Mold and yeast inhibitor
Common Label Aliases
E202
Scientific Overview

Potassium sorbate is a preservative made from sorbic acid.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Generally recognized as safe for intended uses. (GRAS) In 1975, the health aspects of sorbic acid and its salts as food ingredients were evaluated.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses.
Catalog ID: #155 Decode in Scanner
03

Calcium propionate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Common in bread, inhibits mold
Common Label Aliases
E282
Catalog ID: #156 Decode in Scanner
04

Sodium propionate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Mold inhibitor
Common Label Aliases
E281
Catalog ID: #157 Decode in Scanner
05

Sodium nitrite

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Cured meat preservative
Common Label Aliases
E250
Catalog ID: #158 Decode in Scanner
06

Sodium nitrate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Cured meat preservative
Common Label Aliases
E251
Catalog ID: #159 Decode in Scanner
07

Sulfur dioxide

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Preservative in dried fruit and wine
Common Label Aliases
E220
Catalog ID: #160 Decode in Scanner
08

Sodium metabisulfite

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Preservative, sulfite source
Common Label Aliases
E223
Catalog ID: #161 Decode in Scanner
09

Potassium metabisulfite

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Preservative, sulfite source
Common Label Aliases
E224
Catalog ID: #162 Decode in Scanner
10

BHA

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Antioxidant preservative
Common Label Aliases
Butylated hydroxyanisole E320
Catalog ID: #163 Decode in Scanner
11

BHT

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Antioxidant preservative
Common Label Aliases
Butylated hydroxytoluene E321
Catalog ID: #164 Decode in Scanner
12

TBHQ

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Antioxidant preservative, common in packaged snacks
Common Label Aliases
Tertiary butylhydroquinone E319
Catalog ID: #165 Decode in Scanner
13

Calcium disodium EDTA

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Metal-binding preservative
Common Label Aliases
E385
Scientific Overview

Calcium disodium EDTA may help preserve the shelf life of food by scavenging oxidizing agents. It can serve as an antioxidant, a sequestrant or a preservative to keep foods fresh or promote flavor retention.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Safe for intended uses. (FDA Approved, GRAS FDA-Notified) In 2015, FDA had no objections for intended beverage uses of calcium disodium EDTA.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses. The European Commission has authorized Calcium Disodium EDTA for use in non-beverage applications. Safety evaluation to be updated.
Catalog ID: #166 Decode in Scanner
14

Ascorbic acid

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Antioxidant preservative
Common Label Aliases
Vitamin C E300
Scientific Overview

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vitamin that acts as an antioxidant. It is often added to foods and drinks to preserve freshness or provide additional nutrition.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Generally recognized as safe for intended uses. (GRAS) Information on its use as a preservative and nutrient. In 2006, dietary reference intakes for ascorbic acid were reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. In 1979, ascorbic acid was evaluated for health effects when used as a food ingredient.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses. Authorized for use in the EU (nutrients, additives). In 2015, EFSA re-evaluated the safety of ascorbic acid and its salts. In 2013, EFSA issued an opinion on dietary reference values for vitamin C.
Catalog ID: #167 Decode in Scanner
15

Citric acid

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Preservative and acidity regulator, often mold-derived not from citrus
Common Label Aliases
E330
Scientific Overview

Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits. Citric acid can be used as an acidity regulator, antioxidant and preservative.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Affirmation by FDA this ingredient is generally recognized as safe as a direct human food ingredient. (GRAS FDA-Affirmed) In 1977, the health aspects of citric acid as a food ingredient were evaluated.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses. Authorized for use in the EU (additive). Safety evaluation to be updated.
Catalog ID: #168 Decode in Scanner
16

Sodium erythorbate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Preservative, speeds curing
Common Label Aliases
E316
Catalog ID: #169 Decode in Scanner
17

Natamycin

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Antifungal preservative on cheese/meat rinds
Common Label Aliases
E235
Catalog ID: #170 Decode in Scanner
18

Nisin

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Antibacterial preservative from bacterial fermentation
Common Label Aliases
E234
Catalog ID: #171 Decode in Scanner
19

Sodium benzoate + ascorbic acid combo

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Flagged together because they can form trace benzene
Catalog ID: #172 Decode in Scanner
20

Potassium benzoate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Antimicrobial preservative
Common Label Aliases
E212
Scientific Overview

Potassium benzoate is a preservative that helps prevent mold and bacteria growth in acidic foods and drinks to keep them fresh longer.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Affirmation by FDA this ingredient is generally recognized as safe as a direct human food ingredient. (GRAS FDA-Affirmed) In 1973, the health aspects of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate for use as food additives were evaluated.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses.
Catalog ID: #173 Decode in Scanner
21

Sodium diacetate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Mold inhibitor, common in bread
Common Label Aliases
E262
Catalog ID: #174 Decode in Scanner
22

Calcium sorbate

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Mold and yeast inhibitor
Common Label Aliases
E203
Catalog ID: #175 Decode in Scanner
23

Phosphoric acid

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Acidifier with preservative function in sodas
Common Label Aliases
E338
Scientific Overview

Phosphoric acid is a chemical made from the mineral phosphorus that helps modulate the acidity in foods and drinks and gives them a tangy flavor. Phosphorus, an essential mineral, is naturally present in many foods.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Generally recognized as safe for intended uses. (GRAS) In 2006, dietary reference intakes for phosphorus were reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. In 1975, the health aspects of phosphates as food ingredients were evaluated.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses. Authorized for use in the EU (nutrient, additives). In 2019, EFSA assessed the safety of phosphoric acid and its salts. In 2015, EFSA established dietary reference values for both phosphorus. In 2009 and 2011, EFSA reviewed health claims for phosphorus.
Catalog ID: #176 Decode in Scanner
24

Sodium sulfite

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Preservative and antioxidant
Common Label Aliases
E221
Catalog ID: #177 Decode in Scanner
25

Flavors (Natural)

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Proprietary flavor mixtures derived from natural sources, often containing synthetic carrier solvents
Common Label Aliases
Natural flavor Natural flavors natural flavoring natural flavorings natural organic flavor
Scientific Overview

Natural flavors are ingredients that come from plant or animal sources that impart taste and/or aroma to foods and beverages.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Safe for intended uses. (FDA Approved, GRAS, FEMA GRAS) From 1977-1985 (1977a, 1977b, 1982, 1985), natural flavors were deemed safe for intended uses. See Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) for natural flavors.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses.
Catalog ID: #178 Decode in Scanner
26

Flavors (Artificial)

Preservatives
Biological Assessment: Synthetically synthesized chemical flavor compounds engineered in laboratories
Common Label Aliases
Artificial flavor Artificial flavors artificial flavoring artificial flavorings synthetic flavors
Scientific Overview

Artificial flavors are synthetic substances that often mimic natural flavors and are used to impart taste and/or aroma to foods and beverages.

Global Regulatory Approvals
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration Safe for intended uses. (FDA Approved, GRAS, FEMA GRAS) In 1977 (a, b), synthetic flavorings were deemed safe for intended uses. See Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) for artificial flavors.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority Safe for intended uses.
Catalog ID: #179 Decode in Scanner