This is a powder primarily used as food preservative to prevent growth of bacteria,mold and yeast thereby extending shelf's life... it's also utilized in pharmaceutical products, personal care items and even as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial applications... due to it's properties, it's used to preserve food products with a high acidic pH such as fruit pulp and purees,jams, canned vegetables and salads, margarine,olives, beers, fruits, yogurts etc