Ingredient

EDTA To Protect Flavor

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
EDTA is used as a preservative to protect flavor and color in foods. It …

What it is

EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a synthetic chemical compound. It is manufactured industrially and is not found naturally in food.

Why it's used

EDTA is used as a preservative to protect flavor and color in foods. It works by binding to metal ions, which can otherwise cause spoilage and off-flavors. It is often found in processed foods like pickles, olives, and deli salads.

Health notes

In the US, EDTA is approved as a food additive and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for specific uses. It is used in very small amounts. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated EDTA and set acceptable daily intake levels. Some studies have explored its potential health effects, but at typical dietary levels, it is not considered a health concern.

Allergen info

EDTA is a synthetic chemical and is not derived from any of the FDA's major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing EDTA To Protect Flavor

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HEINEN'S Smoked Gouda Cheese Spread, Smoked Gouda Cheese High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 24% DV per serving 493kcal 13.1Protein 47.6Fat 3.6Carbs Papa John's Salads & Produce Pasta Salad, Tuna, Penne Other Deli 250kcal 10Protein 8Fat 33Carbs Papa John's Salads & Produce Tuna Penne Pasta Salad Deli Salads 250kcal 10Protein 8Fat 33Carbs Tuna Salad Papa John's Salads & Produce Tuna Salad Deli Salads High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 190kcal 14Protein 13Fat 3Carbs Papa John's Salads & Produce California Broccoli Salad Deli Salads 200kcal 4Protein 15Fat 13Carbs Papa John's Salads & Produce Macaroni Salad Deli Salads High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 386kcal 6.4Protein 20.7Fat 40.7Carbs Papa John's Salads & Produce Red Bliss Potato Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in cholesterol — 33% DV per serving 143kcal 3.6Protein 10Fat 10.7Carbs Papa John's Salads & Produce Red Bliss Potato Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in cholesterol — 33% DV per serving 143kcal 3.6Protein 10Fat 10.7Carbs Papa John's Salads & Produce Tuna Salad Deli Salads High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 190kcal 14Protein 13Fat 3Carbs Wm. Bolthouse Farms Inc. Premium Artichoke Spinach 4 Cheese Dip, Artichoke Spinach Cheese 536kcal 7.1Protein 17.9Fat 14.3Carbs Original Buffalo Style Chicken Logos Cooked White Shredded Chicken Meat With Cheese And Wing Sauce In A Crispy Wrapper, Original Buffalo Style Finger Food Products, Inc. Original Buffalo Style Chicken Logos Cooked White Shredded Chicken Meat With Cheese And Wing Sauce In A Crispy Wrapper, Original Buffalo Style Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 44% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 258kcal 13.6Protein 9.6Fat 28.3Carbs Seafood Stuffed Salmon With Broccoli Florets, Seafood With Broccoli Florets Meijer, Inc. Seafood Stuffed Salmon With Broccoli Florets, Seafood With Broccoli Florets Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 179kcal 10.3Protein 12.2Fat 8.3Carbs
Salt (12 products) Calcium Disodium (12 products) Water (12 products) Distilled Vinegar (11 products) Egg Yolk (10 products) Canola (9 products) Sugar (9 products) Spice (9 products) Soybean (8 products) Citric Acid (8 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.