Substance group
What counts as Sorbic acid, sorbates; Benzoic acid…?
2 markets define Sorbic acid, sorbates; Benzoic acid, benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (E 200–219), and they don't all agree. Read each definition below. You tell us if your product contains it; we never guess from its name.
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Group
Definitions
“E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB)”
“E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB)”
- Definition
- Annex II Part C: E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB)
- Listed members
- Sorbic acid, Potassium sorbate, Benzoic acid and its sodium salt, Sodium benzoate (1), Potassium benzoate (1), Calcium benzoate (1), Ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
- Source
“E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB)”
Annex II, line 1589 · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Annex II, line 1589(opens in a new tab)
- Definition
- Annex II Part C (GB): E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB)
- Listed members
- Sorbic acid, Potassium sorbate, Benzoic acid and its sodium salt, Sodium benzoate (1), Potassium benzoate (1), Calcium benzoate (1), Ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
- Source
“E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB)”
Annex II, line 667 · fetched 2026-10-10The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Annex II, line 667(opens in a new tab)
Rules
Rules that use these definitions
10 rules.
Must meet the conditions of E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates is authorised in food category 08.3.1 Non-heat-treated meat products at quantum satis (no maximum level).
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- EU food category: Non-heat-treated meat products [08.3.1]
Depends on: eu food category code
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · quantum satis · (1) (2) · only surface treatment of dried meat products
Annex rows, Part E, category 08.3.1; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)Must meet the conditions of E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate, Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates is authorised in food category 08.3.2 Heat-treated meat products at quantum satis (no maximum level).
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- EU food category: Heat-treated meat products [08.3.2]
Depends on: eu food category code
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate, Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · quantum satis · (1) (2) · only surface treatment of dried meat products
Annex rows, Part E, category 08.3.2; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate, Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)Limit 1500 mg/kg (content basis)
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- EU food category: Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets [05.2]
Depends on: eu food category code
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · 1 500 · (1) (2) (5) · except candied, crystallized or glacé fruit and vegetables
Annex rows, Part E, category 05.2; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)Limit 1500 mg/kg (content basis)
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- EU food category: Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 [05.4]
Depends on: eu food category code
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · 1 500 · (1) (2) (5)
Annex rows, Part E, category 05.4; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)Limit 500 mg/kg (content basis)
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- EU food category: Table-top sweeteners in liquid form [11.4.1]
Depends on: eu food category code
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · 500 · (1) (2) · only if the water content higher than 75 %
Annex rows, Part E, category 11.4.1; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)- ConformityGBSorbic acid, sorbates; Benzoic acid, benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (E 200–219) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
Must meet the conditions of E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates is authorised in food category 08.3.1 Non-heat-treated meat products at quantum satis (no maximum level).
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- Applies when
- EU food category: Non-heat-treated meat products [08.3.1]
Depends on: eu food category code
- Effective
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
- Source
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · quantum satis · (1) (2) · only surface treatment of dried meat products
Annex rows, Part E, category 08.3.1; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)
- ConformityGBSorbic acid, sorbates; Benzoic acid, benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (E 200–219) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
Must meet the conditions of E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate, Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates is authorised in food category 08.3.2 Heat-treated meat products at quantum satis (no maximum level).
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- Applies when
- EU food category: Heat-treated meat products [08.3.2]
Depends on: eu food category code
- Effective
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
- Source
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate, Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · quantum satis · (1) (2) · only surface treatment of dried meat products
Annex rows, Part E, category 08.3.2; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate, Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)
- LimitGBSorbic acid, sorbates; Benzoic acid, benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (E 200–219) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
Limit 1500 mg/kg (content basis)
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- Applies when
- EU food category: Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets [05.2]
Depends on: eu food category code
- Effective
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
- Source
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · 1 500 · (1) (2) (5) · except candied, crystallized or glacé fruit and vegetables
Annex rows, Part E, category 05.2; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)
- LimitGBSorbic acid, sorbates; Benzoic acid, benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (E 200–219) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
Limit 1500 mg/kg (content basis)
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- Applies when
- EU food category: Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 [05.4]
Depends on: eu food category code
- Effective
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
- Source
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · 1 500 · (1) (2) (5)
Annex rows, Part E, category 05.4; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)
- LimitGBSorbic acid, sorbates; Benzoic acid, benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (E 200–219) as defined in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
Limit 500 mg/kg (content basis)
Official text, current to 28 Jun 2024. legislation.gov.uk point-in-time version 2024-06-28 of Annex II, which the FSA register cites as the terms of authorisation (Annex II was omitted from the revised text from 2025-04-01).
- Applies when
- EU food category: Table-top sweeteners in liquid form [11.4.1]
Depends on: eu food category code
- Effective
In force since 20 Jan 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 20 Jan 2010
Applies in GB from 20 January 2010 (retained Art. 35); the Annex text is the version in force on 2024-06-28, the last before Annex II was omitted from the revised legislation on 1 April 2025 (S.I. 2025/361); the FSA register keeps these terms of authorisation. Amendment dates of single rows not tracked.
- Source
From the official list: E 200-219 · Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · 500 · (1) (2) · only if the water content higher than 75 %
Annex rows, Part E, category 11.4.1; row: E 200-219 Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid – benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates · fetched 2026-10-10
The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as retained in GB, Annex II (domestic list) as in force on 2024-06-28(opens in a new tab)
See also
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