In the world of food additives, E471 often comes up in discussions surrounding emulsifiers and stabilizers. E471, also known as mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, plays a crucial role in improving the texture and shelf life of various food products. In this article, we will explore what E471 is, its sources, applications, and the safety concerns surrounding its use.
As a food additive, potassium sorbate is used as a preservative in concentrations of 0.025–0.100%,which in a 100 g serving yields an intake of 25–100 mg. In the United States, no more than 0.1% is allowed in fruit butters, jellies, preserves, and related products.Up to 0.4% has been studied in low-salt, naturally-fermented pickles, and when combined with calcium chloride, 0.2% made good quality pickles.Potassium sorbate has about 74% of sorbic acid's anti-microbial activity.When calculated as sorbic acid, 0.3% is allowed in cold pack cheese food. The upper pH limit for effectiveness is 6.5.
One of the standout benefits of KNO3 is its solubility in water, which makes it particularly effective for both soil and foliar applications. This solubilization ensures that plants can rapidly absorb nutrients, reacting quickly to their needs and leading to improved growth rates and stronger plants. With a fast-acting formula, it is especially beneficial during critical growth stages, such as flowering and fruiting, when plants require increased nutrient availability.
