acidity_regulator INS 261

Potassium Acetate E261

buffer β€” Primarily synthetic.

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: Approved
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA: Approved
πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan: Approved
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί AU/NZ: Approved
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada: Approved
Scientific Name

Potassium ethanoate

CAS: 127-08-2

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Potassium Acetate is also used in medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Potassium Acetate has a "quantum satis" authorization β€” Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

None

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Generally recognized as safe

πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: ζ—’ε­˜ζ·»εŠ η‰©

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified (ADI not limited)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by neutralizing acetic acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate.

Applications Beyond Food

Medical

Used in dialysis solutions and as a potassium supplement

Industrial

De-icing agent, buffering agent in chemical processes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Acetate (E261)?
Potassium Acetate (E261) is a acidity_regulator used in food products. It is buffer and synthetic. A potassium salt of acetic acid used as an acidity regulator and preservative.
What is the ADI for Potassium Acetate?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Potassium Acetate is Not specified (ADI not limited) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
What foods contain Potassium Acetate?
Potassium Acetate is used in various food categories including Dairy products and analogues. It is used as a acidity_regulator in these products.
Is Potassium Acetate the same as Potassium ethanoate?
Yes, Potassium Acetate is also known as Potassium ethanoate, Acetic acid potassium salt. These are different names for the same substance.