What Is Disodium EDTA Disodium EDTA is a chemical that is used as a food preservative that is commonly found in salad dressings, sauces, spreads, canned goods, and beverages. It is also present as a preservative in soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics. It is both odorless and colorless and works to preserve foods and creams by binding with various minerals and metals. Disodium EDTA and Calcium Disodium EDTA are often confused for each other, but they are very different chemicals despite the fact that both are commonly referred to as simply EDTA. It is extremely important not to get the two mixed up. Disodium EDTA acts as a preservative for some foods, beverages, creams, and soaps.