I hate to rain on YOUR parade, but this is directly quoted from the USDA downloadable report on Potassium Sorbate which I tend to believe over a reporter on a fanatic site.... "As in" all things on the internet are not true, and the reporter is not a government researcher who is a reputable expert on the topic.
Here it is....
"2. The toxicity and mode of action of the substance and of its break down products or any
contaminants, and their persistence and areas of concentration in the environment.
“Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are novel,
highly efficient, safe and nonpoisonous food preservatives recognized internationally as a best series. It is
the substitute for the sodium benzoate as a traditional preservative. Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt
of an unsaturated fatty acid, which participates in the normal fat metabolism in human body and will be
oxidated into carbon dioxide and water finally. It will not be accumulated in human body.”44 “Potassium
sorbate is a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid and is completely safe with regard to health and have
the lowest allergenic potential of all food preservatives.” 45
3. The probability of environmental contamination during manufacture, use, misuse, or disposal
of the substance.
“Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved
waste disposal facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management
options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of
container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.” 46 Potassium
sorbate is considered a low-risk pesticide. Therefore, the chances of environmental contamination if used
in feed or medication are minimal. Potassium sorbate is non-toxic."
And here is the link directly to the downloadable report straight from the USDA....
https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/P Sor technical advisory panel report.pdf
Might I go on to say that in the report it is mentioned that.....
"Potassium sorbate was petitioned as a feed additive to be used as a mold inhibitor. While potassium is non-
toxic and environmentally safe, it may not be in compliance with organic farming due to the afore
mentioned limitations."
The limitations being referred to are....
"• No chemical preservatives, colouring agents, waxes, or irradiation treatment to kill bacteria"
As YES, it is considered a "chemical" because it is "manufactured", it is synthesized to follow what is naturally found in nature. This is the same way things such as penicillin and other drugs are created. So in essence, mother nature gave us the genetic code to create or emulate something that prevents MOLD GROWTH in things from wine, cheese, and (as you mentioned) jerky to pickles, cosmetics and also livestock feed. Mold is MORE harmful than Potassium Sorbate. Furthermore, it is regulated to prevent over usage and over consumption. I'll take that jerky snack over a McDonald's burger any day.
