Foodscan.ai
EN
EN
LT
E 260Preservatives

Acetic acid

Characteristics

Additive NameAcetic acid
E No.E 260
TypeIndividual Substance
In plain language

The main component of vinegar — used as an acidity regulator and preservative. Found naturally in fermented foods and produced industrially for use in bread, cheese, canned vegetables, and meat preparations. It lowers pH, slowing bacterial growth and extending shelf life. One of the safest additives on the list. Your body metabolises it the same way it handles vinegar. No safety concerns at typical food levels — EFSA considers it fully acceptable.

Conditions of Use

This additive is authorised to be used in the following 7 food categories:

1.7.1unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16
Quantum satis (no max)
only mozzarella
1.7.4whey cheese
Quantum satis (no max)
4.2.3canned or bottled fruit and vegetables
Quantum satis (no max)
7.1.1Bread prepared solely with the following ingredients: wheat flour, water, yeast or leaven, salt
Quantum satis (no max)
7.1.2Pain courant français; Friss búzakenyér, Fehér és Félbarna kenyerek
Quantum satis (no max)
13.1.3Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013
Quantum satis (no max)
only processed cereal based foods and baby foods, only for pH adjustment
8.2Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004
Quantum satis (no max)
only prepacked preparations of fresh minced meat and meat preparations to which other ingredients than additives or salt have been added

Source

Want to know if a product you eat contains E 260? Open FoodScan in Telegram, photograph any food product label and get your analysis.

Open in Telegram
E 260 - Acetic acid | E-Number Information