Safe
E260 — Acetic acid
Acidity regulator
E260 (Acetic acid), a acidity regulator, is rated "safe": no significant concern. The main acid in vinegar. Used to add sourness and preserve pickles, sauces, and dressings. Same molecule you put on chips.
What is Acetic acid?
The main acid in vinegar. Used to give pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressings their tang.
What does it do to the body?
Your body metabolizes it the same way as the acetic acid in any vinegar splash. No realistic safety concern at food levels.
What regulators say
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical limit.
Risk rating: Safe
Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.
Frequently asked questions
Is E260 (Acetic acid) safe?
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical limit.
What is E260 (Acetic acid)?
The main acid in vinegar. Used to give pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressings their tang.
What does Acetic acid do to the body?
Your body metabolizes it the same way as the acetic acid in any vinegar splash. No realistic safety concern at food levels.
What are other names for E260?
E260 is also known as acetic acid.