Sodium Diacetate (E 262(ii))

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Sodium diacetate (E 262(ii)) is a preservative and flavoring that gives a vinegar taste. It is often used in meats and snacks.

What the evidence review says

Sodium diacetate is a preservative and flavoring that gives a vinegar taste, often used in meats and snacks. It breaks down into acetate and acetic acid, which are normal in the body. We found no notable concern at permitted uses.

No notable concern at permitted food uses. It dissociates to sodium acetate and acetic acid, which are normal metabolic products. JECFA's numerical ADI exists because the committee lacked long-term studies on sodium diacetate itself and estimated the ADI from acetic acid. The US Select Committee on GRAS Substances found no evidence of a hazard at current or foreseeable use.

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.