Learn Glossary preservative

Sodium Acetate(E262)

Level 2Generally safeIn Winter's Dictionary

Sodium Acetate is a preservative — Preservative, flavoring, and pH control

Also: Sodium Salt of Acetic Acid

What it does

Preservative, flavoring, and pH control

Where you'll see it

candy, cereals, jams, jellies, oils, pasta, snacks, sauces, soups

What the research says

Moderately toxic by ingestion; skin and eye irritant

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: ASP

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): used as a preservative, flavoring, and pH control additive in candy, cereals, fats, jams