Sodium Lactate (E 325)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Sodium lactate (E 325) keeps foods moist and helps preserve meat and poultry.

What the evidence review says

Sodium lactate keeps foods moist and helps preserve meat and poultry. Lactate is a normal substance in the body, and JECFA did not limit its daily intake. Regulators do not allow it in infant foods or infant formula.

No notable concern for the general population. Lactic acid and lactate are normal body metabolites, and JECFA's ADI is 'not limited.' The regulatory caveat is infants: JECFA said neither D(−)-lactic acid nor DL-lactic acid should be used in infant foods, and FDA's GRAS rule does not authorize sodium lactate in infant foods or infant formulas. Sodium contribution is a formulation issue, not evidence of lactate toxicity.

Policy note: FDA has proposed a rule (not final) that would require companies to notify FDA before using a food substance on the basis that it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Comments close December 9, 2026. Source: 91 FR 51834, published August 11, 2026, Docket FDA-2025-N-3262 (federalregister.gov, checked 2026-10-19).

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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.