Ferrous lactate
Learn what Ferrous lactate (E585) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Ferrous lactate?
A food additive used as an acidity regulator and color fixer, commonly used in the darkening of olives. It is the iron salt of lactic acid. It is added to some products like canned vegetables in vinegar, brine, oil, or soy sauce. It is also used in some dietary supplements because it is a source of iron.
Why is Ferrous lactate added to food?
Ferrous lactate (E585) is a acidity regulator commonly found in: Canned vegetables, oil, soy sauce.
Permitted quantity: The maximum allowable daily intake for humans is up to 0.8 mg/kg body weight.
Is Ferrous lactate safe?
Low concern
No side effects have been reported at the quantities used in food.
Is Ferrous lactate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Common foods that contain Ferrous lactate
- Canned vegetables
- oil
- soy sauce
How to spot Ferrous lactate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E585
- Ferrous lactate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- ferrou$ lactate
- ierrous lactate
- ferrous laetate
- ferrous lactate
- terrous lactate
- ferrous ldctate
- ferrous lactdte
Better alternatives
• People with excess iron in the body or conditions related to iron metabolism, such as hemochromatosis, should avoid products containing ferrous lactate. • Not recommended in cases of severe liver or kidney failure, as iron may affect the functioning of these organs. • Excessive use may cause side effects such as constipation, abdominal pain, or nausea. • Avoid taking ferrous lactate simultaneously with other iron supplements or medications that interfere with iron absorption.
Also known as
- ferrou$ lactate
- ierrous lactate
- ferrous laetate
- ferrous lactate
- terrous lactate
- ferrous ldctate
- ferrous lactdte
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Ferrous lactate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E585 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Ferrous lactate
- Is Ferrous lactate safe to eat?
- No side effects have been reported at the quantities used in food.
- Is Ferrous lactate banned anywhere?
- Ferrous lactate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- How do I spot Ferrous lactate on a food label?
- Look for E585, Ferrous lactate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: ferrou$ lactate, ierrous lactate, ferrous laetate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.