Gluconic acid, C6H12O7, is a mild organic acid, neither caustic nor corrosive and with an excellent sequestering power. Non toxic and readily biodegradable (98% after 2 days), it occurs naturally in plants, fruits and other foodstuffs such as wine (up to 0.25%) and honey (up to 1%). Gluconic acid is prepared by fermentation of glucose, whereby the physiological d-form is produced.
As a food additive it is an acidity regulator. It is also used in cleaning products where it dissolves mineral deposits especially in alkaline solution.
