Ingredient · E262

Sodium acetates

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium acetates are used as a preservative and acidity regulator in a variety of …

What is Sodium acetates?

Sodium acetates are salts of acetic acid, commonly known as vinegar. They can be produced industrially through chemical synthesis or fermentation processes.

Is Sodium acetates vegan?

Sodium acetates is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Sodium acetates a major allergen?

Sodium acetates are not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.

What is Sodium acetates used for?

Sodium acetates are used as a preservative and acidity regulator in a variety of foods, including processed meats, baked goods, and snacks.

Is Sodium acetates safe?

Sodium acetates are authorised food additives in Great Britain and are permitted for use in a range of food categories.

Why it's used

Sodium acetates are used as a preservative and acidity regulator in a variety of foods, including processed meats, baked goods, and snacks. They can help extend shelf life and enhance flavour profiles.

Health notes

Sodium acetates are authorised food additives in Great Britain and are permitted for use in a range of food categories. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated sodium acetates, and they have an established acceptable daily intake (ADI) level set by JECFA. At typical consumption levels found in food, they are generally considered safe.

Regulatory status

Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products

Permitted uses in the EU

Sodium acetates · legislation: (EU) No 0601/2014

Food categoryMaximum level
4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetablesNo numerical limit listed
7.1.1 Bread prepared solely with the following ingredients: wheat flour, water, yeast or leaven, saltNo numerical limit listed
7.1.2 Pain courant français; Friss búzakenyér, Fehér és Félbarna kenyerekNo numerical limit listed
8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004No numerical limit listed
13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013No numerical limit listed

Maximum levels are shown as published (mg/kg or mg/l, depending on the food). Some entries carry extra conditions and group authorisations are not listed here, so check the full entry before relying on a figure.

Substance is included in Group I, see also authorisation for Group I

Sources: Food Standards Agency (OGL v3); European Commission, Food Additives Database.

Allergen info

Sodium acetates are not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Not a major allergen.

Foods that contain Sodium acetates

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: 17 October 2026

Note: This site presents label data from Open Food Facts for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.