E 260 Acetic acid

What is E 260?

E 260 is the E number of Acetic acid. The acid that makes vinegar sour. It acidifies and preserves sauces, deli products and pickled vegetables.

What is E 260 used for?

E 260 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as acid, acidity regulator, preservative.

• Acid: Acids increase acidity and give a sour taste.
• Acidity regulator: Acidity regulators alter or control the acidity (pH) of a food.
• Preservative: Preservatives prolong shelf life by protecting food against microorganisms.

Which foods may contain E 260?

According to the European Commission's database, E 260 may be used in 74 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 260 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 260 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 260 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Acid: E 260" or "Acid: Acetic acid".