What is E585?
E585 is Ferrous Lactate — an iron salt of lactic acid, usually from plant fermentation, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
What is E585 (Ferrous Lactate)?
E585 is the E-number for ferrous lactate, one of the acidity regulators group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group control the acidity or alkalinity of food. An iron salt of lactic acid, usually from plant fermentation. Like every E-number, E585 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E585 in detail below.
Where is E585 found?
E585 is typically used in baked goods, soft drinks, sweets, dairy products and processed foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E585) or by its full name, ferrous lactate. Common foods that may contain E585 include:
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Dairy products and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E585 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E585 safe?
E585 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E585.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E585 vegan?
E585 is uncertain for vegans — it is an iron salt of lactic acid, usually from plant fermentation, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E585 →Is E585 halal?
E585 is halal. An iron salt of lactic acid, usually from plant fermentation, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E585 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E585 in food?
E585 is Ferrous Lactate — an iron salt of lactic acid, usually from plant fermentation, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
Is E585 safe to eat?
Yes. E585 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E585 vegan?
E585 is uncertain for vegans — it is an iron salt of lactic acid, usually from plant fermentation, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E585 halal?
E585 is halal. An iron salt of lactic acid, usually from plant fermentation, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).