E270 · Lactic acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E270?
Lactic acid (E270) is an organic acid naturally produced during fermentation and also formed in muscles during intense exercise. In food it is used as an acidity regulator and preservative, giving fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough their characteristic tang while helping inhibit spoilage organisms. It is also widely used in cosmetics as a gentle exfoliant and moisturizer.
Also appears on labels as: Lactic acid, Lactic Acid, E270, E 270, E-270, Milk Acid, 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, α-Hydroxypropionic Acid, Propanoic Acid, 2-hydroxy, Food Acid 270, Acidulant E270, Natural Lactic Acid.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels; lactic acid has a long history of dietary consumption through fermented foods.
Frequently asked questions
Is E270 safe?
Our overall verdict for E270 (Lactic acid) 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 E270 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Lactic acid — 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 E270 and why is it used?
Lactic acid (E270) is an organic acid naturally produced during fermentation and also formed in muscles during intense exercise. In food it is used as an acidity regulator and preservative, giving fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough their characteristic tang while helping inhibit spoilage organisms. It is also widely used in cosmetics as a gentle exfoliant and moisturizer.
Does E270 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Lactic acid.
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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.