Potassium lactate

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Potassium lactate is a compound with formula KC₃H₅O₃, or H3C-CHOH-COOK. It is the potassium salt of lactic acid. It is produced by neutralizing lactic acid which is fermented from a sugar source. It has E number “E326”. Potassium lactate is a liquid product that is usually 60% solids but is available at up to 78% solids.

Potassium lactate is commonly used in meat and poultry products to extend shelf life and increase food safety as it has a broad antimicrobial action and is effective at inhibiting most spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.

Potassium lactate is also used as an extinguishing media in the First Alert Tundra fire extinguishers.

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