E650 · Zinc acetate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Zinc acetate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E650?
Zinc acetate is a zinc salt used as a source of dietary zinc, an essential trace mineral, in supplements and fortified foods such as lozenges and cereals. It also has antimicrobial properties that make it useful in some cosmetics and personal care products. It is generally recognized as safe when used within regulated amounts.
Also appears on labels as: Zinc acetate, Zinc(II) acetate, Acetic acid zinc salt, Acetate of zinc, Zinc diacetate, Zinc ethanoate, Zinc acetate dihydrate, Zinc acetate anhydrous, Zn(CH3COO)2, Zn(OAc)2, Zinc acetate food additive, Zinc acetate supplement.
What the evidence says
- Excess zinc intake (well above recommended dietary levels, generally from over-supplementation rather than fortified food) can cause nausea, interfere with copper absorption, and impair immune function over time.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical fortification and supplement levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on the safety of zinc acetate (E 650) as a food supplement — EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), EFSA Journal (2014). The Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of zinc acetate (E 650) when used as a source of zinc in food supplements and food fortification. The Panel concluded that zinc acetate is a safe source of zinc for the general population when used according to established upper limits for zinc intake.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E650 safe?
Our overall verdict for E650 (Zinc acetate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E650 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Zinc acetate — 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 E650 and why is it used?
Zinc acetate is a zinc salt used as a source of dietary zinc, an essential trace mineral, in supplements and fortified foods such as lozenges and cereals. It also has antimicrobial properties that make it useful in some cosmetics and personal care products. It is generally recognized as safe when used within regulated amounts.
Does E650 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Zinc acetate.
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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.