E336 – Potassium Tartrates: Uses and Safety
E336 refers to potassium tartrates, the potassium salts of tartaric acid, used as acidity regulators and stabilisers in food products.
Wissenswertes über "E336"
E336 refers to potassium tartrates, the potassium salts of tartaric acid, used as acidity regulators and stabilisers in food products.
What is E336?
E336 is the European food additive designation for potassium tartrates, which are the potassium salts of tartaric acid. The code covers two related compounds:
- E336(i) – Monopotassium tartrate (also known as cream of tartar or potassium hydrogen tartrate)
- E336(ii) – Dipotassium tartrate (potassium tartrate)
These substances occur naturally in grapes and in smaller amounts in other fruits. They are a by-product of wine production, forming as crystals on the walls and bottom of wine barrels and tanks when tartaric acid reacts with potassium.
Origin and Production
Potassium tartrates are primarily obtained as a by-product of the wine industry. The crystalline deposits known as wine lees or argol are collected from wine vessels, purified, and processed into food-grade additives. Both naturally derived and synthetically produced forms are used in the food industry.
Use in Food Products
E336 is used in the food industry for several technological purposes:
- Acidity regulator: Adjusts and maintains the pH level in foods and beverages
- Stabiliser: Prevents unwanted chemical changes in food products
- Leavening agent: Monopotassium tartrate (cream of tartar) is used in baking powder, where it reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide, helping dough and batters rise
- Emulsifier: Supports the even distribution of fats and water in food products
- Confectionery aid: Cream of tartar stabilises whipped egg whites and prevents sugar syrups from crystallising
Typical foods containing E336 include baked goods, confectionery, jams, jellies, beverages, and certain dairy products.
Safety and Health Assessment
Potassium tartrates are considered safe and are approved by relevant regulatory authorities. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not established a numerical ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) value for E336, indicating that these compounds are considered safe for consumption at the levels used in food.
- E336 is well tolerated and is fully metabolised in the body
- No significant allergic reactions have been reported
- Even individuals with wine intolerance rarely react to purified potassium tartrate, as the triggering substances found in wine (such as sulphites or biogenic amines) are absent
- At very high intakes, the elevated potassium content may be relevant for individuals with kidney disease, as impaired kidney function can limit potassium excretion
Labelling and Regulation
In the European Union, E336 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. It must be declared in the ingredient list of food products either as E336 or by its specific name, such as potassium tartrate, monopotassium tartrate, or dipotassium tartrate.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of tartaric acid (E334), sodium tartrates (E335), potassium tartrates (E336), potassium sodium tartrate (E337) and calcium tartrate (E354) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2020.
- European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- Carocho, M. et al.: Adding molecules to food, pros and cons: A review on synthetic and natural food additives. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2014.
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