Dehydroacetic Acid (E265): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Dehydroacetic acid is a broad-spectrum antifungal preservative. It is not authorised as a food additive in the EU or GB; the US permits it only on cut or peeled squash, and China restricts it to a limited set of products. High-dose animal studies have reported organ toxicity, and its safety for general food use has not been established to EU standards.
- Category
- Preservative — Antimicrobial
- Typically used in
- Antifungal preservative in some non-EU products such as cut squash and pickled foods.
- Regulatory status
- Not authorised as a food additive in the EU.
Scrannr flags Dehydroacetic Acid automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- Food Standards Agency (2024) — Approved additives and E numbers https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
Products containing Dehydroacetic Acid
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