ANSWER

Malaysia

According to Malaysia Food Regulation 1985, tapioca pearl/ boba is categorized under Reg.139 as table confection. There were no specific regulations that stipulates the permitted use of potassium sorbate in this product category.

However, according to General Standard for Food Additive under Codex STAN 192-1995, the use of potassium sorbate is permitted with a maximum limit of 1000 mg/kg, calculated as sorbic acid. Since Malaysia follows Codex STAN 192-1995 this maximum limit also applies for use in tapioca pearls in Malaysia.

References

Ministry of Health. (2019). Food Regulation. Regulation 139.

Codex Alimentarius Commission. (2019). Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GFSA, Codex Stan 192-1995).

 

Taiwan

We are unable to give a certain answer as we are not familiar with the regulation in Taiwan.

 

Indonesia

Based on BPOM Regulation no. 34 year 2019, tapioca pearl falls into category 06.5 Cereal and Starch-Based Dessert Food.

Therefore, according to BPOM Regulation no. 11 year 2019, the maximum limit for potassium sorbate present in the category is 1000 mg/kg.

References

Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Republik Indonesia. (2019). Food Category (Number 34 Year 2019)

Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Republik Indonesia. (2019). Food Additives (Number 11 Year 2019)

 

Australia

Based on Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 1.3.1 – Food Additives, the raw tapioca pearl/boba falls under category 20.2.06 Starch based snacks (from root and tuber vegetables, legumes and pulses) and potassium sorbate is not permitted to add in this category.

References

Food Standards Australia New Zealand. (2018). Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 1.1.2 – Definitions used throughout the Code.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand. (2019). Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Schedule 15 – Substances that may be used as food additive.