A sequestrant is a food additive which improves the quality and stability of foods. A sequestrant forms chelate complexes with valence (chemistry), polyvalent metal ions, especially copper, iron and nickel, which can prevent the oxidation of the fats in the food. Sequestrants are a type of preservative.
The name comes from Latin and means "to withdraw from use" .
Common sequestrants are:
* Calcium chloride (E509)
* Calcium acetate (E263)
* Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (E385)
* Glucono delta-lactone (E575)
* Sodium gluconate (E576)
* Potassium gluconate (E577)
* Sodium tripolyphosphate (E451)
* Sodium hexametaphosphate (E452i)
Sodium and calcium salts of EDTA are also commonly used in many foods and beverages.
Food additives
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