L(+)-Lactic Acid
General information
Lactic acid is an organic acid occurring naturally in the human body and in fermented foods. It is used in a wide range of food, beverages, personal care, healthcare, cleaners, feed & pet food and chemical products as a mild acidity regulator with flavour enhancing and antibacterial properties. The commercial production of lactic acid is typically done by fermentation. Because the L(+) form is preferred for its better metabolisation, Jungbunzlauer has chosen to produce pure L(+)-lactic acid by traditional fermentation of natural carbohydrates.
Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid is a colourless to yellowish, nearly odourless, syrupy liquid with a mild acid taste. It is commercially available as aqueous solutions of various concentrations. These solutions are stable under normal storage conditions.
Lactic acid is non-toxic to humans and the environment, but concentrated solutions of lactic acid can cause skin irritation and eye damage. They have thus to be labelled with a hazard pictogram and related statements. Lactic acid is readily biodegradable.
Specification
Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid food grade is supplied in accordance with the requirements of Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 and of the latest edition of the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC). Jungbunzlauer also proposes L(+)-lactic acid in high quality personal care, technical and biocidal grades. Our feed grades meet the requirements of Regulations (EC) No 1831/2003 and (EC) No 183/2005. Several grades and types of Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid are currently available:
Food grade solutions:
50 % and 50 % heat stable
80 % and 80 % heat stable
88 % and 88 % heat stable
90 % heat stable
Feed grade solutions:
80 % (clear/yellowish)
80 % (brown)
Personal care grade solutions:
90 % heat stable
Technical grade solutions:
80 % and 88 %
Biocidal grade solutions:
80 % heat stable
88 % heat stable
Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid is supplied in bulk, in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) with 1200 kg net weight (1100 kg net for the 50 % solutions), in drums with 250 kg net weight (240 kg net for the 50 % solutions) and in small drums with 25 kg net content (20 kg for the 50 % solutions). Feed grades are supplied in bulk and IBCs.
Properties
- Liquid
- Colourless to yellowish
- Nearly odourless
- Mild lingering acid taste
- Antibacterial
- Chemically, physically and microbiologically stable
- Non-toxic
- Irritating to eyes and skin in concentrated form
- Readily biodegradable
Applications
Industrial Applications
- Agrochemicals, Fertilisers
- Fine Chemicals
- Inks, Paints, Coatings
- Metal Surface Treatment
- Oil Drilling
- Plastics, Polymers
- Textile, Leather
Beverages
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Instant Drinks, Syrups
- Juice Drinks
- RTD Tea and Coffee
- Sports and Energy Drinks
- Waters
Food
- Baby Food, Infant Formula
- Bakery
- Cereals, Snacks
- Confectionery
- Dairy
- Desserts, Ice Cream
- Flavours
- Fruit Preparations, Sweet Spreads
- Fruits, Vegetables
- Meat, Seafood
- Ready Meals, Instant Food
- Sauces, Dressings, Seasonings
- Soy Products
Healthcare
- Clinical Nutrition
- OTC, Food Supplements
Personal Care
- Colour Cosmetics
- Deodorants
- Fragrances
- Hair Care
- Oral Care
- Skin Care
- Soap and Bath Products
Cleaners & Detergents
- Dish Washing
- Industrial Cleaners
- Laundry Care
- Surface Care
Feed & Pet Food
- Feed
- Pet Food
Legal aspects
In Europe, lactic acid is listed as a generally permitted food additive (E270) and may be added to all foodstuffs, following the “quantum satis“ principle, as long as no special regulation restricts the use.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affirmed lactic acid as GRAS (generally recognised as safe) substance and permitted the use in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice (CFR § 184.1061).
For biocidal uses, L(+)-lactic acid is approved in the EU in product type (PT) 1 (human hygiene) according to the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012 (BPR). Approval in PTs 2, 3 and 4 has been recommended by the Biocidal Products Committee in 2017. Further, lactic acid is evaluated for approval in PT6. Jungbunzlauer is an admitted supplier for all mentioned PTs (Art. 95 listing).
Jungbunzlauer lactic acid has been registered according to REACH Regulation at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in 2012. The REACH registration number of Jungbunzlauer lactic acid is 01-2119474164-39-0004.