Sorbic acid is an organic compound used as preservative E 200 in food applications. It inhibits moulds and yeasts in foods, including cheese, and is also used for antimicrobial stability in cosmetic and personal-care products. Other applications include pharmaceutical preservatives and feed additives. Its physical appearance is a white crystalline powder or granules with a faint acrid odour. The catalogue lists food, FCC, cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades in bags, fibre drums, big bags and cartons. Food use as E 200 is subject to the applicable food-additive specification and permitted-use conditions. Cosmetic use is subject to the applicable cosmetic-ingredient conditions. Use in biocidal products depends on the applicable product authorisation. Pharmaceutical use requires the applicable pharmacopoeia grade.