E266 · Preservatives
Sodium dehydroacetate
Not authorised in EU, but permitted in AU-NZ and US. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Preservatives
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Sodium dehydroacetate is the water-soluble salt of dehydroacetic acid, used as a mould inhibitor.
How it is used in food
Dissolves in water, so it can be used in brines and surface washes for cheese.
Commonly found in- Cheese rinds
- Pre-cooked rice
- Baked goods
- Pickled vegetables
Health and safety
No known risks at typical dietary levels.
Not authorised as a food additive in the EU; permitted in certain foods in some other jurisdictions.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E266
Worth knowing
Seeing this on a label is a reliable sign the product was formulated for a market outside the EU.
Conclusion
A toxic preservative banned from food.
Is it in what you are buying?
ScanWise reads the barcode and tells you which additives a product actually contains, and what they do to its score.
Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
← All additives