Sodium diacetate, with the molecular formula C4H7NaO4, also known as sodium diacetate or disodium acetate, and commercially named Vita-crop, is a stable and cost-effective new food and feed antimold agent, acidulant, and improver. It is classified as a safe substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and offers high-efficiency mold prevention, preservation, freshness retention, improved palatability, enhanced nutritional value, and growth promotion. It is now widely used in livestock and poultry feed.

Sodium diacetate appears as white crystals with an acetic acid odor, is hygroscopic, highly soluble in water, decomposes when heated above 150°C, is flammable, and remains stable under cool and dry conditions. Its antimicrobial action primarily relies on the molecular form of acetic acid released upon decomposition, effectively inhibiting bacteria and molds. Sodium diacetate is classified as a substance with no specified ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) and is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. FDA.

Sodium diacetate is a molecular complex of sodium acetate and acetic acid, presenting as a white hygroscopic crystalline solid with an acetic odor. It decomposes when heated above 150°C and is flammable. One gram of sodium diacetate dissolves in approximately 1 mL of water, and a 10% aqueous solution has a pH of 4.5–5.0.

Applications:

1. Adding 0.1–0.2% (1–2 kg/ton) of SDA to feed effectively prevents mold growth, extending the storage period by 1–2 months; adding 0.1–0.3% SDA to compound feed preserves it for 3–5 months.

2. As a nutritional flavor enhancer

Adding 0.05–0.2% SDA to pelleted compound feed increases protein utilization by 11%, promotes over 10% weight gain in fish, improves weight gain in piglets by 6–8%, and, when appropriately added to dairy cow feed, effectively increases milk protein content.

3. As a disinfectant

Adding 0.1–0.2% SDA to aquatic feed effectively prevents and treats fish diseases caused by homologous microorganisms and can serve as a clarifying disinfectant for fish ponds; adding 0.05–0.3% SDA to poultry feed prevents chicken diarrhea and increases the survival rate during the brooding period by over 10%.

4. Application of sodium diacetate in weaned piglet feed

Adding 0.3% sodium diacetate to feed increases the daily weight gain of weaned piglets by 10.8% compared to no addition, showing a significant difference; it also significantly affects the daily feed intake of weaned piglets. Adding sodium diacetate significantly improves feed conversion rate (by 10.5%), likely due to enhanced utilization of feed nitrogen and energy.

Packaging and Storage

1. Sodium diacetate is packaged with plastic bags as inner packaging and kraft paper bags as outer packaging, with a net weight of 25 kg.

2. Store in a sealed, cool, dry place away from moisture and sunlight. Do not mix with other alkaline or toxic substances. During the processing of feed additives, avoid high temperatures to prevent decomposition of sodium diacetate and reduction of its efficacy.

Grade: Food Grade / Feed Grade

Sodium Acetate %: 58.0–60.0 / 56.0–58.0

Moisture %: ≤2.0 / ≤4.0

pH (10% aqueous solution): 4.5–5.0 / 4.5–5.0

Formic Acid and Readily Oxidizable Substances %: ≤0.2 / ≤0.2

Arsenic (as As) %: ≤0.0003 / ≤0.0006

Heavy Metals (as Pb) %: ≤0.0001 / ≤0.002

Properties of Sodium Diacetate

Sodium diacetate, abbreviated as SDA, has a molecular weight of 142.9 for the anhydrous form. It appears as white crystalline powder with an acetic odor, is hygroscopic, soluble in water and alcohol, and has a cubic crystal structure. Its melting point is 96–97°C, and it decomposes when heated above 150°C.

Main Characteristics of Sodium Diacetate

a) Superior mold and防腐效果 compared to benzoates, with a typical usage level of 0.3–3 g/kg.

b) Does not alter food characteristics, is unaffected by the food's pH, participates in human metabolism producing CO2 and H2O, can be considered part of the food, and preserves the original flavor and nutritional components.

c) Wide range of applications, used for mold prevention and preservation in various foods, and also extensively used in pharmaceuticals, tobacco, papermaking, fruit preservation, feed, and other industries.

d) Convenient and flexible operation: can be directly added, sprayed, or浸漬.

e) Mild sour taste, overcoming the刺激性氣味 characteristic of propionates.

Mechanism and Efficacy of Sodium Diacetate's Antimicrobial Action

Studies show that sodium diacetate primarily exerts its effects by effectively penetrating the cell walls of molds, interfering with enzyme interactions, and inhibiting mold production, thereby achieving high-efficiency mold prevention and preservation. Its inhibitory effect on Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus nigricans, Aspergillus flavus, and other molds is superior to that of potassium sorbate.