Food additive with antioxidant, emulsifying, sequestrant and preservative function. It is found in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in products from vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, eggs, emulsified and non-emulsified fats, in products preserved by fermentation, freezing or drying, in sauces, spices, beverage concentrates prepared by vending machines, jams, jallies, creams, icing and fillings for pastry products, dried fruits, cereal or starch desserts etc. It is not allowed in foods meant for infants and young children.
This synthetic compouned does not metabolize, being excreted by urine. It has very diverse industrial uses, because ofi ts property to form stable compounds with metal ions, suchs as calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, lead, iron, mercury ions etc. The same action takes place in the human body, being used in medicine for treating hypercalcemia, mercury or lead intoxications, and thalassemia.