YenzoWhat is E385 (calcium disodium EDTA)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists the functions of calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate as sequestrant, antioxidant, colour retention agent and preservative.
E385Calcium disodium EDTA
E385 is calcium disodium EDTA (calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate). In food it binds metal ions, which helps against oxidation, keeps colour and preserves products.
- Code
- E385 · INS 385
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E385 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, sequestrant (385), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
sequestrant (385)sequestrant 385E385INS 385On Vietnamese labels: Calci dinatri etylendiamintetraacetat
Calcium disodium EDTA in food
Fat spreadsJams, jellies, marmalades
Pickled vegetables
Canned and bottled vegetablesSpices, herbs and seasonings
Emulsified sauces (mayonnaise, salad dressing)Non-emulsified dipping saucesFlavoured drinksBeer and malt drinks
Questions about Calcium disodium EDTA
Is calcium disodium EDTA harmful?
In 1973 JECFA set an ADI of 0–2.5 mg/kg body weight per day for calcium disodium EDTA, with the comment that no excess of disodium EDTA should remain in foods. This is a JECFA evaluation, not an EFSA one.
Is Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (INS 385) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Other sequestrants
E339Sodium phosphateslowE340Potassium phosphateslowE3701,4-Heptonolactonevery lowE386Disodium EDTAlowE400Alginic acidvery lowE401Sodium alginatevery low
See all sequestrants →Found in these products
Nước uống Revive chanh muối (salted lemon)Revive · soft drinks and flavoured drinks
Sốt mayonnaise SimplySimply · sauces and dips
Nước tăng lực Sting hương dâu hồng sâm (strawberry red ginseng energy drink)Sting · soft drinks and flavoured drinksNước uống Revive Zero Calo vị bưởi (grapefruit)Revive · soft drinks and flavoured drinksUpdated 21 October 2026
Sources (4)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). JECFA (17th and 41st meetings), calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, ADI 2.5 mg/kg bw; no EFSA re-evaluation published. Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e385)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A: nhóm thực phẩm được phép dùng INS 385, 386
- JECFA evaluation summary: Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (INS 385) (IPCS INCHEM, WHO/FAO)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (consolidated text of 18.08.2026): Article 16 and Annex II, Part E, category 13.1 (foods for infants and young children)