ETHYLENEDİAMİNETETRAACETİC ACİD DİSODİUM SALT (DİSODİUM EDTA)

Introduction

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt, commonly known as disodium EDTA, is a chelating agent. It is used in the food industry as a preservative and stabilizer to prevent oxidative rancidity and discoloration. It works by binding to metal ions that can catalyze these undesirable reactions. Disodium EDTA is a versatile additive used in a wide range of products, including salad dressings, sauces, canned foods, and beverages.

CAS Number

139-33-3

Synonyms

• Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
• Disodium edetate
• Acetic acid, (ethylenedinitrilo)tetra-, disodium salt

Topic Headings

1. Primary Food Applications (list form)

• Preservative — Prevents oxidative rancidity in fats and oils.
• Stabilizer — Maintains color and flavor in processed foods and beverages.
• Sequestrant — Binds metal ions to prevent them from catalyzing degradation reactions.
• Color retention — Prevents discoloration in canned fruits and vegetables.
• Emulsion stabilizer — Used in salad dressings and sauces to maintain emulsion stability.

2. Mechanism of Action: Chelation (paragraph form)

Disodium EDTA acts as a chelating agent by forming stable, water-soluble complexes with polyvalent metal ions such as calcium, iron, copper, and magnesium. The EDTA molecule wraps around the metal ion, forming a ring-like structure that effectively "locks up" the ion and renders it chemically inactive. This prevents the metal ions from catalyzing oxidation reactions that can cause rancidity, off-flavors, and color changes in food products.

3. Physical and chemical properties (list form)

• Appearance — White, crystalline powder.
• Odor — Odorless.
• Molecular weight — 336.21 g/mol.
• Solubility — Soluble in water.
• pH (1% solution) — Approximately 4-5.
• Stability — Stable under normal storage conditions.

4. Safety and Regulatory Status (paragraph form)

Disodium EDTA is a permitted food additive in many countries. In the US, it is listed as a GRAS substance and is also approved as a diluent for color additives. In the EU, it is designated as E385. JECFA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-2.5 mg/kg body weight. Disodium EDTA is considered safe at current permitted levels. It is not an allergen and is metabolized and excreted from the body.