Navigating the Global Regulatory Landscape of Sodium Dehydroacetate in Foods

Sodium dehydroacetate is a preservative mainly applied in food, cosmetics and personal care products. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid, and known for its antimicrobial properties. However, its use in food is not universally accepted, with approval under controlled conditions in some countries while bans in others. This article explores the global regulatory landscape of sodium dehydroacetate in food, especially examining its permitted uses and restrictions in key countries and regions.

What is sodium dehydroacetate as a food additive?

Sodium dehydroacetate (INS: 266) is a preservative used in some countries to inhibit microbial growth in food, particularly in meat and dairy products. However, its safety concernshave been raised due to potential health risks. Research indicates that prolonged or excessive consumption of sodium dehydroacetate may lead to serious health issues, including tissue and organ damage, cardiotoxicity, weight loss, and oral toxicity. While it is permitted in certain food categories in countries like the US, Japan and China, ongoing research and regulatory reviews continue to monitor its safety.

The EU

In the EU, sodium dehydroacetate is not approved for use in food. According to the Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on Food Additives which governs all food additives within the EU, sodium dehydroacetate is not included in the list of permitted food additives. The absence of sodium dehydroacetate from the list means that it cannot be legally used in any food products within the region.

The US

The US permits the use of sodium dehydroacetate as a preservative in specific food categories. According to Section 172.130 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), sodium dehydroacetate is approved for use as a preservative specifically for cut or peeled squash. The maximum allowable concentration is 65 parts per million (ppm), expressed as dehydroacetic acid.

Australia & New Zealand

Sodium dehydroacetate is not approved for use in food in Australia and New Zealand. Both countries follow the Food Standards Code as set out by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Under Schedule 15 of the Code, sodium dehydroacetate is not listed as a permitted preservative, meaning that its use in food products is prohibited.

Canada

In Canada, sodium dehydroacetate is not approved for use in food. The List of Permitted Preservatives published by Health Canada does not include sodium dehydroacetate, therefore its use in food products is prohibited.

China

China recently revised its regulation regarding sodium dehydroacetate with the introduction of the GB 2760-2024 Standard for the Use of Food Additives, which supersedes the previous GB 2760-2014. Under the new GB standard, sodium dehydroacetate is no longer permitted for use in a variety of food categories, such as butter, starch products, bread, pastries, and fruit and vegetable juices (pulp). This change, effective from February 8, 2025, represents a shift in China’s approach to the use of sodium dehydroacetate. The new list of food categories and usage levels includes:

 Japan

In Japan, sodium dehydroacetate is permitted as a preservative in certain dairy products. The Standards for Use of Food Additives set out by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare allows sodium dehydroacetate in the below food categories:

Vietnam

In Vietnam, sodium dehydroacetate is permitted as a preservative in processed cheese and butter. Detailed usage level as per the Standards for Use of Food Additives is shown in the table below:

Indonesia

Sodium dehydroacetate is not approved for use in food in Indonesia according to BPOM Regulation No.11 of 2019 about Food Additives.

Singapore

In Singapore, sodium dehydroacetate is not approved for use in food. According to the Food Regulations, it is not listed as a permitted preservative, making its use in food products prohibited in the country.