E262: Sodium Acetates
Main role: acidity control and preservation
Also listed as: sodium acetate, sodium diacetate
What is E262 (Sodium Acetates)?
E262 includes sodium acetate and sodium diacetate. These are salts related to acetic acid, used for acidity adjustment, preservation, or a vinegar-like flavor effect depending on the formulation.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity control and preservation. Acidity regulators adjust or buffer pH. The resulting acidity depends on the whole recipe, not just the presence of one acid or salt. Acidity control may also affect texture and the performance of other ingredients.
Food and formulation examples
- Bakery preservation systems
- Seasonings
- Selected processed-meat formulations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E262, E 262, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium acetate, sodium diacetate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Sodium diacetate and vinegar can serve overlapping recipe purposes but are not identical ingredients. Compare a product's total salt rather than estimating sodium from the additive name.
Is E262 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E262 as Sodium acetates. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.