LACTIC ACID
Prepared at the 46th JECFA (1996), published in FNP 52 Add 4 (1996) superseding specifications prepared at the 21st JECFA (1977), published in NMRS 57 (1977) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 63rd JECFA (2004). An ADI 'not limited' for lactic acid and its salts was established at the 23rd JECFA (1979)
SYNONYMS INS No. 270
DEFINITION
Obtained by the lactic fermentation of sugars or is prepared synthetically; may contain condensation products such as lactic acid, lactate and dilactide. Common products of commerce are 50-90% solutions. Solid products containing about 100-125% of titratable lactic acid also exist. (Note: Lactic acid is hygroscopic and when concentrated by boiling or by distillation it forms condensation products which hydrolyze to lactic acid on dilution and heating in water).
Chemical names
Lactic acid, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropionic acid
C.A.S. number 50-21-5 (L-: 79-33-4; D-: 10326-41-7; DL-: 598-82-3)
Chemical formula C3H6O3
Assay Not less than 95.0% and not more than 105.0% of the labelled concentration. For the purity tests, prepare an aqueous solution containing 40% of lactic acid, using the labelled concentration. To dissolve the sample, use warming if necessary. When the labelled concentration is less than 40%, use the product for the test without dilution. The amount of sample to be tested in the tests is the amount of lactic acid calculated from the labelled concentration of the products, except in the tests for "sugars" and for "readily carbonizable substances". In the latter two tests, the term "sample" refers to the 40% solution of lactic acid. The limit of the tests is based on the amount of lactic acid, calculated from the labelled concentration.
DESCRIPTION Colourless, syrupy liquid or white to light yellow solid or powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Acid, acidifier
