Lactic acid
What is Lactic acid?
Lactic acid is an organic acid naturally found in the body and in certain foods. It is produced commercially through the fermentation of carbohydrates, such as sugars from corn or beet, by specific bacteria. This process yields a clear, colourless liquid that can be used in various food applications.
Is Lactic acid gluten-free?
It is not a gluten-containing ingredient.
Is Lactic acid a major allergen?
Lactic acid is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Lactic acid used for?
Lactic acid is primarily used as an acidity regulator in foods, helping to control pH levels and enhance flavour.
Is Lactic acid safe?
Lactic acid is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Lactic acid is primarily used as an acidity regulator in foods, helping to control pH levels and enhance flavour. It can also act as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms. It is commonly found in dairy products, pickled vegetables, confectionery, and sauces.
Health notes
Lactic acid is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. European food safety authorities, including EFSA, have evaluated lactic acid and its salts. JECFA has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. At typical consumption levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects. It is a natural component of human metabolism.
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 |
| 1.10 Milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children* | No numerical limit listed |
| 2.1 fats and oils essentially free from water (excluding anhydrous milk fat) | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5.1 Extra jam and extra jelly as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads | No numerical limit listed |
| 6.4.1 Fresh pasta | No numerical limit listed |
| 6.4.3 Fresh pre-cooked pasta | No numerical limit listed |
| 6.4.4 Potato Gnocchi | 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 |
| 13.1.2 follow-on formulae as defined by by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 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 |
| 14.1.3 Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar products | 5000 |
| 14.2.1 beer and malt beverages | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Lactic 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 gluten-containing ingredient.
Foods that contain Lactic acid
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