Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
The food additive E270 (lactic acid) is an organic compound from the group of carboxylic acids, used in food products as a preservative and acidity regulator.
Additive E270 is a clear, colorless liquid with a sour taste and characteristic odor. It has antiseptic properties and prevents product fermentation. The chemical formula of lactic acid is C3H6O3.
Lactic acid was first isolated in pure form from fermented dairy products in 1780 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. A classical acid-base extraction method was used: after removing proteins and fats, the liquid was purified and the acidic component precipitated.
In the food industry, additive E270 is produced through lactic fermentation — it is formed as a result of sugar fermentation by Lactobacillus bacteria.
Effects on the Body
Benefits of additive E270
In the human body, lactic acid is a natural metabolite: it is formed during the breakdown of glucose — the main energy source for muscles and the brain. The higher the physical or mental activity, the more lactic acid is produced. In adult males, the daily metabolic turnover is 120–150 g. Excess is excreted by the kidneys.
Since lactic acid is naturally produced in the body and is not a foreign substance, its use as a food additive is considered safe. No acceptable daily intake has been established, as the toxicity of preservative E270 is extremely low.
Risks of additive E270
In healthy individuals, lactic acid is rapidly metabolized and does not accumulate in the body. However, in cases of metabolic disorders or impaired kidney function, excess lactic acid may lead to a condition known as lactic acidosis — an overabundance of lactic acid in the blood. This condition is usually associated not with consumption of the additive, but with serious metabolic dysfunctions.
Uses
In the food industry, natural preservative E270 is widely used in the production of:
- cheese (thanks to its mild acidity),
- mayonnaise, yogurt, kefir, and other fermented dairy products,
- non-alcoholic beverages,
- confectionery and bakery products.
Lactic acid may also be used as an acidity regulator, flavoring agent, or stabilizer.
Legal Status
Additive E270 is approved for use in the food industry in the European Union, the United States, Ukraine, and other countries.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not established a limit for the acceptable daily intake of preservative E270, considering the additive to be safe for use in food products.
