Safe
E326 — Potassium lactate
Acidity regulator
E326 (Potassium lactate), a acidity regulator, is rated "safe": no significant concern. The potassium salt of lactic acid. Used as a humectant and antimicrobial in meat and bakery products.
What is Potassium lactate?
The potassium salt of lactic acid, used as a preservative and humectant in cured meats, sausages, and some baked goods. Provides some potassium fortification.
What does it do to the body?
Your body metabolises it as lactate and uses the potassium normally. People with kidney disease who must restrict potassium should be aware of it, but otherwise no safety concern.
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 E326 (Potassium lactate) safe?
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical limit.
What is E326 (Potassium lactate)?
The potassium salt of lactic acid, used as a preservative and humectant in cured meats, sausages, and some baked goods. Provides some potassium fortification.
What does Potassium lactate do to the body?
Your body metabolises it as lactate and uses the potassium normally. People with kidney disease who must restrict potassium should be aware of it, but otherwise no safety concern.
What are other names for E326?
E326 is also known as potassium lactate.
