YenzoWhat is E262 (sodium acetate)?
It is sodium acetate, the sodium salt of acetic acid (262i; 262ii is sodium diacetate). Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists E262 as acidity regulator, preservative and sequestrant.
E262Sodium acetates
E262 covers the sodium acetates, sodium salts of acetic acid: sodium acetate (262i) and sodium diacetate (262ii). In food they adjust acidity, help preservation and add a vinegar taste.
- Code
- E262 · INS 262
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E262 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, acidity regulator (262), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
acidity regulator (262)acidity regulator 262E262INS 262On Vietnamese labels: Natri acetat
INS sub-codes
INS 262(i)Sodium acetate
INS 262(ii)Sodium diacetate
Sources: Codex CXG 36-1989, Class Names and the International Numbering System (INS)
Sodium acetates in food
Milk, cheese, cream
Processed fruit and vegetables
ConfectioneryBaked goodsPasta, breakfast cereals
Processed meatProcessed and canned fish and seafoodSeasonings, vinegar, saucesFlavoured drinks, beer, wine
Questions about sodium acetates
Is sodium acetate harmful?
JECFA (the FAO/WHO expert committee) gave acetic acid and its potassium and sodium salts a group ADI of “not limited” in 1973 and kept it in 1997.
Is E262 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Sodium acetate (INS 262(i)) and sodium diacetate (INS 262(ii)) are listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, as acidity regulators, preservatives and sequestrants.
Can children and pregnant women have E262?
In the EU, sodium acetates (E262) is permitted in processed cereal-based foods and baby foods (Annex II, Part E, category 13.1.3 of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008), only for pH adjustment, at “quantum satis” — the amount needed for the purpose, with no numerical maximum. The Regulation has no separate provision for pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other acidity regulators
E260Acetic acidvery lowE261Potassium acetatesvery lowE263Calcium acetatevery lowE264Ammonium acetatevery lowE270Lactic acidvery lowE296Malic acidvery low
See all acidity regulators →Found in these products
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Snack khoai tây Swing vị bít tết (steak)Orion · snacksUpdated 21 October 2026
Sources (4)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e262)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 3 (danh mục phụ gia và nhóm thực phẩm dùng theo GMP) và Phụ lục 2A
- JECFA (FAO/WHO) evaluation database: Sodium acetate, INS 262(i)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (consolidated text of 18.08.2026): Annex II, Part E, category 13.1.3 (processed cereal-based foods and baby foods)