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Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid(E385)

Level 3 — ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid is a preservative — Sequestrant in carbonated beverages; promotes color retention

Also: EDTA

What it does

Sequestrant in carbonated beverages; promotes color retention

Where you'll see it

Carbonated beverages, crabmeat, nonstandardized dressings

What the research says

May be irritating to skin and mucous membranes and cause allergies such as asthma and skin rashes. Can cause kidney damage. Can cause errors in laboratory tests including calcium, CO2, nitrogen, muscular activity.

Regulatory status

  • EU: approved
  • Notes: On FDA list of food additives to be studied for toxicity

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): It is on the FDA list of food additives to be studied for toxicity. It can cause kidney damage