Is e202 sorbate de potassium vegan?

The label entry "e202 sorbate de potassium" is the French designation for potassium sorbate, a food preservative identified by the European additive code E202. It functions as an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and certain bacteria. Food producers commonly add it to items such as fruit juices, jams, soft drinks, dried fruit, baked goods, condiments, syrups, and wine to prolong shelf stability.

Commercial potassium sorbate is produced synthetically through the chemical neutralization of sorbic acid using potassium hydroxide. Sorbic acid is typically manufactured from synthetic petrochemical starting materials, specifically ketene and crotonaldehyde, while potassium hydroxide is obtained from mineral salts. Because the entire manufacturing process relies strictly on synthetic and mineral origins without using animal-derived ingredients, tissues, or processing aids, E202 sorbate de potassium is vegan.