Sorbol is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a short‐chain fatty acid. Similar fatty acids occur in natural nutritional substances. Potassium sorbate is also used as a harmless preservative in numerous foodstuffs. Sorbol inhibits yeasts and moulds (not bacteria). Sulphurisation, which at the same time prevents oxidation, is still indispensable to protect against bacteria.