Potassium sorbate is a chemical additive that is widely used as a preservative in foods, drinks, and personal care products. It is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, with the chemical formula CH3CH=CH−CH=CH−CO2K, and is a white salt that is very soluble in water. Potassium sorbate prolongs the shelf life of foods by stopping the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi. It is effective against yeasts, molds, and select bacteria, and is widely used in cheeses, dips, yogurt, sour cream, bread, cakes, pies and fillings, baking mixes, doughs, icings, fudges, toppings, beverages, margarine, salads, fermented and acidified vegetables, and more. Potassium sorbate is also used as an antimicrobial and preservative in personal care items such as eyeshadow, shampoos, and moisturizers. It is approved for safe use as a preservative in moist cat and dog foods and in other animal feed. Potassium sorbate is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used appropriately.