FDA Status
Approved
Potassium Lactate (326) is a antioxidant additive holding a composite safety score of 4 out of 5 (Low Risk). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Approved, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 492 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Potassium Lactate to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Potassium Lactate, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 326 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | — | CAS Registry |
| Category | Antioxidant | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 492 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
4.0 / 5
Composite Safety Low Risk
Safety Score: 4 out of 5
Safety Rating 80.0%
EU Status
Approved
326
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Potassium Lactate receives a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has approved Potassium Lactate for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Potassium Lactate. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Potassium Lactate?
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.
Health Concerns
- No significant concerns identified in EFSA evaluations.
Common Uses
Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Potassium Lactate safe to consume?
Potassium Lactate has a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Potassium Lactate used for in food?
Potassium Lactate is commonly used as: Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods. It belongs to the Antioxidant category of food additives.
Is Potassium Lactate banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Potassium Lactate. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Potassium Lactate?
The FDA classifies Potassium Lactate as "Approved", while the EU status is "Approved" (326). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Potassium Lactate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Potassium Lactate: No significant concerns identified in EFSA evaluations.. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Potassium Lactate calculated?
The safety score of 4/5 for Potassium Lactate is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
Explore PlainIngredients
Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial