YenzoWhat is E263 (calcium acetate)?
It is calcium acetate, the calcium salt of acetic acid. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists E263 as acidity regulator, preservative and stabilizer.
E263Calcium acetate
E263 is calcium acetate, the calcium salt of acetic acid. In food it adjusts acidity, helps preservation and stabilises texture, for example in bread, tofu and jellies.
- Code
- E263 · INS 263
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 E263 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, acidity regulator (263), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
acidity regulator (263)acidity regulator 263E263INS 263On Vietnamese labels: Calci acetat
Calcium acetate 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 calcium acetate
Is calcium acetate harmful?
The JECFA database (the FAO/WHO expert committee) records an evaluation from 1973: an ADI of “not limited” for calcium acetate.
Is E263 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Calcium acetate (INS 263) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, as an acidity regulator, preservative and stabiliser.
Can children and pregnant women have E263?
In the EU, calcium acetate (E263) 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 lowE262Sodium acetatesvery lowE264Ammonium acetatevery lowE270Lactic acidvery lowE296Malic acidvery low
See all acidity regulators →Updated 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:e263)
- 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: Calcium acetate, INS 263
- 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)