Sodium lactate is a common food preservative widely used in the food industry. So, how does sodium lactate exert its preservative effect?
The anti-corrosion principle of sodium lactate mainly includes the following aspects: 1. Inhibition of microbial growth: Sodium lactate is a weakly acidic substance that releases lactate ions in food, creating an acidic environment for the food. Most microorganisms cannot reproduce and grow in acidic environments, so sodium lactate can inhibit microbial growth by adjusting the pH value of food, thus playing a preservative role.
2. Obstructing microbial metabolism: Sodium lactate can interfere with the metabolic processes of microorganisms, affecting their survival ability. Sodium lactate molecules can penetrate into the interior of microbial cells, interfere with the enzyme system and membrane structure of microorganisms, thereby hindering their metabolic activity and inhibiting their growth and reproduction.
3. Antioxidant effect: Sodium lactate has a certain antioxidant capacity and can inhibit oxidative reactions in food. During the food processing, sodium lactate can combine with oxygen, reducing the damage of oxygen to the nutritional components and flavor substances in food, and extending the shelf life of food.
In the food industry, sodium lactate is mainly used in the following areas: 1. Seasoning and sauces: Due to its ability to inhibit microbial growth, sodium lactate can effectively extend the shelf life of seasonings and sauces, maintaining their flavor and nutritional stability.
2. Meat products: Sodium lactate can inhibit the growth of microorganisms in meat products and extend their shelf life.

Meanwhile, sodium lactate can also improve the texture and taste of meat products, enhancing their food safety.
3. Bread and pastries: Sodium lactate can inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as mold and yeast in bread and pastries, extending their shelf life. In addition, sodium lactate can improve the texture and taste of bread and pastries, increasing their safety for consumption.
4. Beverages and juices: Sodium lactate can regulate the acidity of beverages and juices, increasing their shelf life. Meanwhile, sodium lactate can also inhibit the growth of microorganisms in beverages and juices, maintaining their taste and flavor.
It is worth noting that sodium lactate, as a food additive, needs to be controlled in its dosage during use to avoid adverse effects on the taste and texture of the food. In addition, sodium lactate needs to be used in combination with other preservatives and antioxidants to enhance its preservative effect.
In summary, sodium lactate, as a common food preservative, plays a preservative role by inhibiting microbial growth, hindering microbial metabolism, and exerting antioxidant effects. In the food industry, sodium lactate is widely used in seasonings, meat products, bread and pastries, beverages, and juices to extend the shelf life of food, improve food safety and taste.