E262 · Sodium acetate, sodium hydrogen acetate (sodium diacetate)
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E262?
Sodium acetate and sodium diacetate (E262) are salts of acetic acid used in food as acidity regulators and preservatives, commonly found in snack foods, chips, and sauces to add a tangy vinegar-like flavor and inhibit microbial growth. Sodium diacetate specifically combines acetate with acetic acid, giving it stronger antimicrobial action. Both forms are widely used and considered safe at typical food-additive levels.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium acetate, sodium hydrogen acetate (sodium diacetate), Sodium acetate, Sodium ethanoate, NaC2H3O2, CH3COONa, CH3COONa·3H2O, Sodium acetate anhydrous, Sodium acetate trihydrate, Sodium hydrogen acetate, Sodium diacetate, NaH(C2H3O2)2, NaH(Ac)2.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
- Contributes to overall sodium intake; people managing sodium-restricted diets (e.g. for blood pressure) should account for it in processed foods.
Frequently asked questions
Is E262 safe?
Our overall verdict for E262 (Sodium acetate, sodium hydrogen acetate (sodium diacetate)) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E262 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium acetate, sodium hydrogen acetate (sodium diacetate) — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E262 and why is it used?
Sodium acetate and sodium diacetate (E262) are salts of acetic acid used in food as acidity regulators and preservatives, commonly found in snack foods, chips, and sauces to add a tangy vinegar-like flavor and inhibit microbial growth. Sodium diacetate specifically combines acetate with acetic acid, giving it stronger antimicrobial action. Both forms are widely used and considered safe at typical food-additive levels.
Does E262 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium acetate, sodium hydrogen acetate (sodium diacetate).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.