Glukono delta lakton

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

The EU specification defines glucono-delta-lactone as the cyclic 1,5-intramolecular ester of D-gluconic acid; in aqueous media it hydrolyses to an equilibrium mixture of D-gluconic acid (55-66 percent) and the delta- and gamma-lactones. Its formula is C6H10O6 and the assay is not less than 99 percent (Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, E 575).

Where it is used

It appears in Group I of Part C of Annex II to EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and may be used at quantum satis; the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives follows the same list. Because it hydrolyses slowly in water and releases acid, it is used as an acidity regulator, raising agent and sequestrant (JECFA functional classes).

Health note

JECFA assessed glucono-delta-lactone in the same group as gluconic acid and the gluconates and left the group ADI 'not specified' (51st JECFA, 1998). EFSA's re-evaluation is ongoing; although the call for data on E 575-579 closed on 31 March 2024, no opinion has been published.

Halal assessment

The EU specification states no manufacturing method or raw material for E 575. The claim widely repeated online that it is 'produced by fermentation of glucose with Aspergillus niger' does not appear in the official EU specification and has therefore not been used as a source here. Unless the production route is documented it should be treated as source dependent; consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.