E212 — Potassium benzoate
E212 (Potassium benzoate), a preservative, is rated "avoid": worth avoiding. The potassium salt of benzoic acid. Same benzene-formation concern as sodium benzoate when combined with vitamin C. Used as the lower-sodium alternative.
What is Potassium benzoate?
The potassium salt of benzoic acid. Used in low-sodium beverages, sauces, and dressings where extra sodium is undesirable.
What does it do to the body?
Behaves the same way as sodium benzoate in your body. Can react with vitamin C in the same drink to form trace benzene under heat or light. Otherwise excreted within a day.
What regulators say
EFSA covered it under the same group acceptable daily intake of 5 mg per kg of body weight per day in 2016. FDA-approved.
Risk rating: Avoid
Known or suspected to cause harm: a substance EFSA or another regulator has flagged, or one restricted in some jurisdictions. Best kept out of a regular diet.
Source: EFSA — re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (2016) ↗