ACETIC ACID

Description
Acetic acid (Acetic acid) food additive E260 is a weak, limiting monobasic carboxylic acid.

Acetic acid is a colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor and sour taste. Hygroscopic. Unlimitedly soluble in water. Chemical formula CH3COOH.

Acidity regulator, acidifier, preservative, hydrolysis and inversion catalyst.

The acidity regulator E260 is approved for use in food in all countries, as an additive safe for human health.

Acetic acid is essential for the functioning of the human body. Its derivatives help break down carbohydrates and fats in the body that enter the body with food. Acetic acid is released during the vital activity of certain types of bacteria, in particular Clostridium acetobutylicum and bacteria of the genus Acetobacter. These bacteria are ubiquitous in water, soil, food and enter the human body naturally.

The toxic effect of E260 on the human body depends on the degree of dilution of acetic acid with water. Solutions in which the concentration of acetic acid is higher than 30% are considered hazardous to health and life. Highly concentrated acetic acid, in contact with skin and mucous membranes, can cause severe chemical burns.

Acetic acid has long been actively used in the production of canned vegetables both as a flavoring agent and as a preservative. Table vinegar at a concentration of 6-9% is the traditional household acidifier with which other acids have been compared. In very many canned fish and preserves, fillings containing vinegar and salt are used. Acetic acid (mainly in the form of sodium diacetate) is used to protect wheat bread from sticky spoilage ("potato disease"). In Russia, synthetic acetic acid is traditionally included in mayonnaise formulations in an amount of 0.5-0.8%. Acetic acid catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins. This can lead to an improvement in the taste of fish and meat products - partially hydrolyzed proteins can form pleasant-tasting breakdown products, in addition, meat and fish soften.

Acetic acid food is included in the list of raw materials in GOST 1633-73 “Vegetable marinades. Specifications ", GOST 2654-86" Canned food. Vegetable caviar. Specifications ", GOST 7231-90" Canned tomatoes. General technical conditions ", GOST 50903-96" Canned food. Vegetable sauces. Specifications ", GOST 30004.1" Mayonnaise. General specifications ", GOST 9937-79" Canned meat "Meat in white sauce". Specifications ”, GOST 12712-80“ Special vodkas and vodkas. Specifications ”, GOST 27907-88“ Vodkas for export. General technical conditions ".

Acetic acid is used to obtain medicinal and aromatic substances, as a solvent (for example, in the production of cellulose acetate, acetone). It is used in book printing and dyeing.

Basic physical and chemical properties
Acetic acid is a colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor and sour taste. Hygroscopic. Unlimitedly soluble in water. Miscible with many solvents