Back to catalogSafety
E326AcidulantLow concern
Potassium Lactate
In plain words
The short version
The potassium salt of lactic acid — a sodium-free moisture-binder and antimicrobial in meats.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe at typical use levels. Lactate is a normal endogenous metabolite. The potassium load is the practical concern in patients with impaired renal function.
The detail
Produced by fermenting carbohydrates to lactic acid, then neutralizing with potassium hydroxide or carbonate. The fermentation step is now usually based on a bacterial process from corn or sugarcane.
Used in deli meats, sausages, and ready meals to suppress Listeria monocytogenes growth, retain moisture, and extend shelf life. The potassium form is preferred over sodium lactate in low-sodium and renal-diet products. Often paired with sodium diacetate for additive antimicrobial action.
Colorless to slightly yellow syrupy liquid (commercial form is typically 50–60% aqueous). Hygroscopic. Mildly sour to bland depending on dilution.
Permitted in the EU at quantum satis (Group I) and affirmed as GRAS in the US at levels set by good manufacturing practice; the US affirmation does not cover infant foods and infant formulas.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Potassium lactate (solution) (INS 326) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1974. ADI not limited; caution on D- and DL-lactic acid in infant foods
- 21 CFR 184.1639 — Potassium lactate (affirmed GRAS) — U.S. FDA / eCFR, 2008. US: GRAS at GMP levels, not authorised in infant foods and infant formulas
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives (Annex II to Reg. 1333/2008) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2011. EU: Group I additive at quantum satis
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.