E270-LACTIC ACID

Lactic Acid (E270):

Lactic acid is utilized in the food industry as an additive (E270) serving as an antioxidant, acidifier, or flavor enhancer. It also exists in the form of salts: sodium salt (E325), potassium salt (E326), and calcium salt (E327). These salts are in powder form and are water-soluble. Lactic acid acts as a bacteriostatic agent, particularly against pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria, and also has a water activity-depressing effect.

Lactic acid is an organic compound, naturally forming in muscles during intense exercise to produce energy. It is also present in wine, dairy products, and certain vegetables after fermentation.

Applications:

Agri-food Industries:

• Food Additive: Used for its properties as an antioxidant, acidifier, or flavor enhancer.
• Water Activity Depressor: Affects the water activity level, inhibiting bacterial growth.
• pH Adjustment: Lowers the pH of preparations.
• Hair Shine: Used in cosmetic applications for hair shine.

Beverage Industry:

•  Acidification Agent: Adjusts the acidity of beverages.
• pH Maintenance: Helps maintain pH in drinks.
• · Flavoring: Adds flavor to beverages.
• Fermentation and pH Regulation: Brewing, Winemaking, and Spirits: Used in fermentation and as a pH regulator.

Bakery and Meat Products:

·         Antimicrobial Agent: Acts as an antimicrobial agent and extends shelf life in bakery and meat products.

Animal Feed:

·         Food Acidification: Used as an acidification agent in animal feed.

Water Treatment:

·         Preservative: Used in drinking water to prevent contamination before slaughter.

Sugar Conversion:

·         Prevents Sugar Inversion: Used to prevent the undesired conversion of sugar.

Lactic acid and its salts have diverse applications, contributing to various aspects of food and beverage processing, cosmetics, and water treatment.