Food Additives Encyclopedia

English

简体中文

English

简体中文

Appearance

dehydroacetic acid ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese namedehydroacetic acid
English namedehydroacetic acid
INS/E numberINS 265
Functional classPreservative
Year adopted1986
Approved byTo be added.

What is it? ​

Dehydroacetic acid is a broad-spectrum synthetic preservative effective against moulds, yeasts and some bacteria, usually used as its sodium salt.

Source ​

Industrial：由乙酰乙酸乙酯经缩合、脱羧等反应制得脱氢乙酸

Why is it used? ​

  • Broad-spectrum inhibition of moulds, yeasts and bacteria
  • Effective from acidic to near-neutral pH
  • Extends shelf life of bakery, beverages, etc.
  • Heat-stable, compatible with thermal processing

Common Foods ​

  • Bakery products such as cakes and bread
  • Beverages
  • Pickles and preserved foods
  • Cream and dairy products
  • Some condiments

Safety ​

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：0-0.3 mg/kg bw (以脱氢乙酸计)

Concerns：

  • 高剂量有毒性（肝肾影响）
  • 中国已限制使用范围与限量
  • 不可超范围超量使用

Usage Standard ​

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》（限特定食品，已收紧）

International：

  • EU：未批准作为直接食品添加剂 (E 265 非欧盟授权)
  • FDA：未批准为常规食品防腐剂
  • Codex GSFA (INS 265)
  • Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Dehydroacetic acid)
  • JECFA Monograph (ADI 0-0.3 mg/kg bw)

In a nutshell ​

Dehydroacetic acid is a broad-spectrum preservative that is effective yet toxic at high doses, requiring strict limits.

Consumer Advice ​

Dehydroacetic acid is a preservative that was once widely used to prevent mould in bread, cakes, mooncakes and pickles. For safety reasons, China's revised additive standard (GB 2760-2024) removed its use in baked goods, permitting it only in a few categories such as pickled vegetables, under strict limits. When buying cakes or pastries, check the label and avoid baked products listing dehydroacetic acid or its sodium salt.

Dietary Restrictions ​

  • Vegan: ✅
  • Halal: ✅
  • Kosher: ✅

Allergens ​

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer ​

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.