Origin
Zinc itself is an important trace element that the human body must absorb in certain doses to avoid deficiency symptoms. Zinc acetate is now the zinc salt of acetic acid. The food additive E 650 can also serve as a zinc supplier, since zinc can be well absorbed in this compound as well. To produce zinc acetate, the starting material zinc undergoes a chemical process, including heating. As the end product, zinc acetate is then a white crystalline solid with a slight vinegar odor that dissolves easily in water.
Usage
As already described, E 650 may only be added to chewing gum as a flavor enhancer. Beyond this, however, E 650 is also often added to dietetic foods but does not have to be declared as an additive here because it is not used as a flavor enhancer but as zinc enrichment. Since zinc also has an astringent effect, i.e., anti-inflammatory properties, zinc acetate is also used in cough drops.
Risks
The food additive E 650 is considered harmless to the human organism. No ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been set.