E 261 Potassium acetates

What is E 261?

E 261 is the E number of Potassium acetates. Potassium salts of acetic acid. They regulate acidity and preserve, for example in meat products.

What is E 261 used for?

E 261 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as acidity regulator, preservative.

• 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 261?

According to the European Commission's database, E 261 may be used in 73 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 261 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 261 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 261 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 "Acidity regulator: E 261" or "Acidity regulator: Potassium acetates".