L(+)-Lactic Acid Buffered

Introduction

Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid buffered is a mild acidity regulator with flavour enhancing and antibacterial properties. It is especially beneficial in confectionery products to reduce sugar inversion in hard candies and gelatine degradation in soft candies.

Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid buffered is a colourless to yellowish, nearly odourless, syrupy liquid with an acid taste, consisting of a mixture of lactic acid and sodium lactate. This solution is stable under normal storage conditions. The two components L(+)-lactic acid and sodium L(+)-lactate are non-toxic to humans and the environment and are readily biodegradable. However, concentrated solutions of lactic acid can cause skin corrosion and eye damage. As the main part of this mixture consists of lactic acid the product has to be labelled with a hazard pictogram and related statements.
L(+)-lactic acid falls under the dangerous goods definition and carries the UN number 3265 (Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s. (lactic acid)).

Functions

This ingredient offers you the following excellent functions.

• Flavour modulation​
• Off-note masking​
• pH-Regulation​
• Preservation​
• Sodium reduction​

Specifications

Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid 80% buffered 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) for its components.

Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid buffered is available as an 80% food grade solution consisting of 60% L(+)-lactic acid and 20% sodium L(+)-lactate. It is supplied in bulk, in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) with 1200kg net weight, in drums with 250kg net weight and in small drums with 25kg net content.

Legal aspects

In Europe, lactic acid (E270) and sodium lactate (E325) are listed as generally permitted food additives 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 Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance and permitted the use in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice (GMP) for use as antimicrobial agent, curing or pickling agent, flavour enhancer, flavouring agent or adjuvant, pH-control agent, solvent or vehicle (CFR § 184.1061).

The FDA further affirmed sodium lactate as GRAS substance and permitted the use in food with no limitation other than current GMP for use as emulsifier, flavour enhancer, flavouring agent or adjuvant, humectant, and pH-control agent (CFR § 184.1768).