YenzoWhat is E386 (disodium EDTA)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists the functions of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) as sequestrant, antioxidant, colour retention agent, preservative and stabilizer.
E386Disodium EDTA
E386 is disodium EDTA (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate). In food it binds metal ions, which helps against oxidation, keeps colour, preserves and stabilises products. Disodium EDTA is also used as a chelating agent in cosmetics; this page is about its role as a food sequestrant (E386). (source: Final report on the safety assessment of EDTA, calcium disodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, dipotassium EDTA, disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, tripotassium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, HEDTA, and trisodium HEDTA (Int J Toxicol 2002))
- Code
- E386 · INS 386
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 E386 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, sequestrant (386), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
sequestrant (386)sequestrant 386E386INS 386On Vietnamese labels: Dinatri ethylendiamintetraacetat (EDTA)
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 Disodium EDTA
Is disodium EDTA harmful?
In 1973 JECFA set an ADI of 0–2.5 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as calcium disodium EDTA, for disodium EDTA as well, with the comment that no excess disodium EDTA should remain in foods. This is a JECFA evaluation, not an EFSA one.
Is Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (INS 386) 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 lowE385Calcium disodium EDTAlowE400Alginic acidvery lowE401Sodium alginatevery low
See all sequestrants →Updated 22 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:e386)
- 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: Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (INS 386) (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)