E283: Potassium Propionate
Main role: mold control
Also listed as: potassium propanoate
What is E283 (Potassium Propionate)?
E283 is potassium propionate, the potassium salt of propionic acid. It is a preservation option for specified foods. The salt form can matter to a manufacturer's formulation, but all propionates should be recognized as members of the same preservative family.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is mold control. Preservation is one part of a food safety system. Recipe acidity, processing, packaging, and storage also affect how a product keeps. Follow the finished product’s storage instructions even when a preservative is listed.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified bakery preservation
- Selected cheese applications
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E283, E 283, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium propanoate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Potassium propionate is different from potassium sorbate E202. Both can be used for preservation, but their chemical identity and permitted applications should be checked separately.
Is E283 safe?
The EFSA propionates re-evaluation (2014) is a scientific reference for this group. Its conclusions apply to the uses and exposures considered in that assessment, rather than every possible use or personal circumstance.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E283 as Potassium propionate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.