A sequestrant is a food additive which improves the quality and stability of foods. A sequestrant forms chelate complexes with polyvalent metal ions, especially copper, iron and nickel. This can prevent the oxidation of the fats in the food. Sequestrants are therefore a type of preservative.

The name comes from Latin and means "to withdraw from use".

Common sequestrants are:

• Calcium chloride (E509)

• Calcium acetate (E263)

• Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (E385)

• Glucono delta-lactone (E575)

• Sodium gluconate (E576)

• Potassium gluconate (E577)

• Sodium tripolyphosphate (E451)

• Sodium hexametaphosphate (E452i)

Sodium and calcium salts of EDTA are also commonly used in many foods and beverages.

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