Sorbic Acid can restrain effectively the activity of mould, yeast and aerophile bacteria. Restrain growth and reproduction of the pernicious micro oraganism as pseudomonas, staphylococcus salmonella action to restrain growth is more powerful than killing.Meanwhile, it can not restrain useful microoraganim growth as Anaerobic spore-bearing bacilli, acidophil therefore to lengthen food store period and remain food original flavor. The preservative efficiency of sorbic acid is 5-10 times sodium benzoate.
Sorbic Acid
or 2,4-hexadienoic acid, is a natural organic compound used as a food preservative. It has the chemical formula C6H8O2. It is a colourless solid that is slightly soluble in water and sublimes readily. It was first isolated from the unripe berries of the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia), hence its name.
At the moment, sorbic acid has been used extensively in food, drink, vegetables in soy, tobacco, drugs, cosmetics, agricultural products, forage and other domain. Its application should be wider and wider in the world.
As acidic preservative, sorbic acid is also used well in neutral food (ph6.0-6.5). The preservative efficiency of sodium benzoate will decrease clearly and have a bad taste while PH>4.