Food preservatives

Each preservative suits certain products. Sorbates and benzoates work best in acidic foods and beverages, propionates protect bread and bakery goods from mould, sulfites protect wine, dried fruit and seafood, and nitrites control Clostridium botulinum in cured meats. Natamycin is used on cheese and sausage surfaces, and nisin in processed cheese and canned foods.

Ask for the food grade specification, assay, heavy metal limits, particle size or granule form, and the documents your customers need, such as food safety certification and halal or kosher certificates. Potassium sorbate granules dissolve with less dust than powder. Sulfites must be declared as allergens above set levels in many countries, and nitrite use is limited by strict maximum levels.