Dehydroacetic Acid
Also known as: E265
Dehydroacetic acid (E265) is not approved as a food additive in the EU and is not listed on FDA GRAS for general food use, though sodium dehydroacetate had limited approval for cut/peeled squash that was withdrawn. It is more commonly found in cosmetics.
What it is
Dehydroacetic acid, a synthetic organic compound used as a preservative.
Antimicrobial preservative against fungi and bacteria.
Why it's flagged
- Not approved as a food additive in the EU
- Limited toxicological data for ingestion
What regulators actually say
"Sodium dehydroacetate may be safely used in or on cut or peeled squash in accordance with the following conditions."
"Only the food additives included in the Community list in Annex II may be placed on the market and used in foods."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sodium dehydroacetate listing for cut/peeled squash; no broad food additive approval
European Union — EFSA
Not listed in Annex II of Regulation 1333/2008 as approved food additive
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