E262 - Sodium acetate

E262 refers to sodium acetate, a sodium salt of acetic acid.

Sodium Acetate (E262):

• Origin: It can be produced naturally through acetic fermentation or synthetically from other compounds.
• Function: Sodium acetate is used as an acidity regulator and preservative in the food industry.

Applications:

• Food: Sodium acetate is often used as a food additive to adjust the acidity of food products.
• Preservation: It also acts as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of certain microorganisms in food.
• Food Products: It is sometimes found in condiments, sauces, preserves, bakery products, and other food items.
• Taste: It has a salty taste but is less salty than sodium chloride (table salt).
• Safety: Sodium acetate is generally considered safe when used according to food guidelines. It is approved by many food authorities worldwide.
• E Number: Sodium acetate is identified by the E262 number when used as a food additive.
• Transformation in the Body: In the body, sodium acetate is metabolized into acetic acid, which is then used in various metabolic processes.