Acetic acid
What is Acetic acid?
Acetic acid is a weak organic acid, the main component of vinegar apart from water. It is produced industrially by the carbonylation of methanol or by the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It has a characteristic sour taste and pungent smell.
Is Acetic acid vegan?
Acetic acid is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Acetic acid gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Acetic acid a major allergen?
Acetic acid is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Acetic acid used for?
Acetic acid is used as an acidity regulator and preservative in a wide variety of foods.
Is Acetic acid safe?
Acetic acid is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and the EU.
Why it's used
Acetic acid is used as an acidity regulator and preservative in a wide variety of foods. It contributes a sour flavour and can inhibit the growth of bacteria and moulds. It is commonly found in pickles, chutneys, sauces, salad dressings, and baked goods.
Health notes
Acetic acid is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and the EU. It is evaluated by EFSA and JECFA, who have assessed its safety. At typical levels found in food, it is not considered to have adverse health effects. There are no major controversies surrounding its use as a food additive.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 | No numerical limit listed |
| 1.7.4 whey cheese | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 7.1.1 Bread prepared solely with the following ingredients: wheat flour, water, yeast or leaven, salt | No numerical limit listed |
| 7.1.2 Pain courant français; Friss búzakenyér, Fehér és Félbarna kenyerek | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | No numerical limit listed |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Acetic acid is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Acetic acid
Compare products →
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.