Re-examination of potassium sorbate and sodium sorbate for possible genotoxic potential

Potassium sorbate and sodium sorbate were investigated for possible genotoxic actions using the Salmonella/mammalian-microsome test, HGPRT and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test with Chinese hamster ovary cells, the micronucleus test on bone marrow cells of mice and Chinese hamsters, and the chromosome aberration and SCE test on Chinese hamsters. In all the in vitro tests no signs of genotoxicity were detected. Whereas no in vivo mutagenicity of potassium sorbate and sodium sorbate with freshly prepared aqueous solutions and with stored potassium sorbate was found, investigations with stored sodium sorbate revealed weak clastogenic activity by increased chromosome aberrations and elevated numbers of micronuclei at doses of 200 mg/kg body weight, but no induction of SCEs.