E326 - potassium lactate
What it is and how it is used
Potassium Lactate is a compound with formula KC3H5O3. It is produced by neutralizing lactic acid which is fermented from a sugar source. Potassium lactate is commonly used in meat and poultry products to extend shelf life and increase food safety as it has a broad antimicrobial action. lactic acid and lactates can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians. Although the name refers to milk, it is not made from milk and thus suitable for people with milk allergy or lactose intolerance.
About antioxidant additives
Antioxidants stop fats and oils oxidising, which is what gives them off flavours and rancid smells. Some are nutrients in their own right (vitamin C is E300, vitamin E is E306). Others are synthetic phenolic compounds (BHA is E320, BHT is E321) used in dry foods like cereals and crisps where they are very effective at very low doses. The synthetic phenolics are the antioxidants worth knowing about: BHA is classified by the World Health Organisation as possibly carcinogenic to humans, and the US National Toxicology Program lists it as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
Source
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