Safe

E270Lactic acid

Acidity regulator

E270 (Lactic acid), a acidity regulator, is rated "safe": no significant concern. The natural acid from yogurt, sourdough, and fermented vegetables. Used as an acidifier and preservative across most food categories.

What is Lactic acid?

A natural acid produced by lactic-acid bacteria during fermentation. The same compound that gives yogurt, sourdough, sauerkraut, and pickles their tang. Also used industrially in dressings, drinks, and confectionery.

What does it do to the body?

Your muscles produce it during exercise and your body burns it as fuel. No realistic safety concern from food-level use.

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.

E-number: E270Category: Acidity regulatorAlso known as: lactic acid

Frequently asked questions

Is E270 (Lactic acid) safe?
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical limit.
What is E270 (Lactic acid)?
A natural acid produced by lactic-acid bacteria during fermentation. The same compound that gives yogurt, sourdough, sauerkraut, and pickles their tang. Also used industrially in dressings, drinks, and confectionery.
What does Lactic acid do to the body?
Your muscles produce it during exercise and your body burns it as fuel. No realistic safety concern from food-level use.
What are other names for E270?
E270 is also known as lactic acid.

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