E536 Potassium Ferrocyanide – Food Additive
E536 (potassium ferrocyanide) is an approved food additive used as an anti-caking agent in table salt to prevent clumping and maintain free-flowing properties.
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E536 (potassium ferrocyanide) is an approved food additive used as an anti-caking agent in table salt to prevent clumping and maintain free-flowing properties.
What is E536?
E536, chemically known as potassium ferrocyanide (also called potassium hexacyanoferrate(II)), is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula K₄[Fe(CN)₆]. In the food industry, it is used as an approved anti-caking agent. Its most well-known application is as an additive to table salt, where it prevents clumping and keeps the salt free-flowing.
Origin and Chemical Properties
Potassium ferrocyanide is a yellow, crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water. It contains iron (Fe²⁺) and cyanide ions, which are very stably bound within this complex. Under normal conditions, no free cyanide is released, which makes the compound safe for use in food. The substance is produced synthetically.
Use in Food Products
E536 is approved in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. It may only be used in the following products:
- Table salt and salt substitutes: to prevent clumping and caking
- Salt used for industrial purposes in food processing
The permitted maximum level in the EU is 20 mg/kg of salt (expressed as potassium ferrocyanide). This very low level is deliberately set to ensure maximum consumer safety.
Safety and Health Assessment
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international bodies, including the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), have classified E536 as safe when used in the approved quantities. Key safety considerations include:
- The cyanide ligands within the ferrocyanide complex are extremely stable and are not converted into toxic free cyanide in the human body.
- Potassium ferrocyanide is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is largely excreted unchanged.
- When used as intended and within the permitted maximum levels, no health risk is expected for consumers.
- It is important to note that potassium ferrocyanide should not be subjected to high heat or strong acids, as decomposition may occur under extreme conditions. However, this is not relevant under normal cooking conditions.
Labelling
Foods containing E536 must declare this substance in the ingredient list in accordance with EU food labelling regulations, either as E536 or as potassium ferrocyanide. This allows consumers to identify whether their table salt contains this additive.
Alternatives
Other anti-caking agents used as alternatives to E536 include E535 (sodium ferrocyanide) and E551 (silicon dioxide). Consumers who wish to avoid E536 can opt for additive-free salts, which are often marketed as natural salt or sea salt without additives.
References
- European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources (ANS): Re-evaluation of potassium ferrocyanide (E 536) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2018.
- Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): Ferrocyanides. WHO Food Additives Series, Geneva.
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