What is E262?
Sodium acetate (E262) is a salt of acetic acid used for acidity control, flavour and preservation functions in specified foods. Goodnessly rates E262 Safe within its rating system, while use conditions still apply.
E262 is sodium acetate, used in selected foods to support acidity, flavour and stability.
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What is Sodium acetate?
Sodium acetate is the sodium salt of acetic acid. It can contribute to acidity control, buffering and flavour in permitted formulations.
What's it used for?
- Supporting acidity control
- Buffering food systems
- Contributing to flavour
- Supporting preservation in selected foods
Where you'll find E262 on the shelf
It is most relevant to snack foods, sauces, bakery products and other formulations where acetate functionality is useful.
Is E262 permitted? What the regulators say
E262 is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with food-category, specification and good manufacturing practice conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists sodium acetate as additive 262; Schedule 15 food-category permissions and conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E262 sodium acetates for specified categories and conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS with conditions | FDA 21 CFR 184.1721 affirms sodium acetate as GRAS when used in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E262 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 262
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
- FDA 21 CFR 184.1721
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing acidity regulators and preservatives
- People tracking sodium in the wider diet
- People checking snack, sauce and bakery formulations
Goodnessly rates E262 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sodium acetate
- 262 or E262
- Acidity regulator (262)
- Preservative (262)
Look for sodium acetate, E262/262 or the acidity-regulator or preservative class followed by the number.
Frequently asked questions
What is E262?
E262 is sodium acetate, a salt used for acidity control, flavour and selected preservation functions.
Is E262 permitted?
E262 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use conditions still matter.
Why is sodium acetate rated Safe?
Goodnessly rates E262 Safe within its rating system, while the regulatory category and use conditions still matter.
How does Goodnessly rate E262?
Goodnessly rates E262 (sodium acetate) as Safe.
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