Disodium EDTA (E386): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Disodium EDTA (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate) is a strong metal-chelating agent used as a sequestrant and antioxidant to bind trace metals, preserving colour and preventing oxidation. In the UK and EU only the calcium-buffered form, calcium disodium EDTA E385, is authorised, and only in a limited range of foods; disodium EDTA itself is not permitted. EDTA is poorly absorbed, but because it can chelate essential minerals such as zinc and calcium in the gut, JECFA set an acceptable daily intake of 0-2.5 mg/kg body weight expressed as calcium disodium EDTA and specified that no free disodium EDTA should remain in food.
- Category
- Sequestrant — Sequestrant
- Typically used in
- Canned and jarred vegetables and pulses, emulsified sauces and ready meals as a colour and flavour preservative (the permitted EU/UK form is E385).
- Regulatory status
- Not authorised as a food additive in the UK or EU; only calcium disodium EDTA E385 is permitted. JECFA ADI 0-2.5 mg/kg body weight as calcium disodium EDTA.
- Concerns flagged
-
Digestive upset
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Where this comes from
- WHO JECFA (1973) — Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate INS 386 evaluation https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/386
- UK Food Standards Agency (2024) — Approved additives and E numbers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/approved-additives-and-e-numbers/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
Products containing Disodium EDTA
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