Adipic Acid (E355) – Food Acidulant Explained
Adipic acid (E355) is an organic dicarboxylic acid used as a food additive and in industrial applications. It acts as an acidulant, giving foods a mild, lasting sour taste.
Things worth knowing about "Adipic Acid"
Adipic acid (E355) is an organic dicarboxylic acid used as a food additive and in industrial applications. It acts as an acidulant, giving foods a mild, lasting sour taste.
What is Adipic Acid?
Adipic acid (chemical name: hexanedioic acid) is an organic compound belonging to the group of dicarboxylic acids. It occurs naturally in small amounts in certain plants but is produced industrially, primarily from cyclohexane. In the European Union, it is approved as a food additive under the designation E355 and is used as an acidulant and flavor enhancer.
Use in Food
In the food industry, adipic acid is added to products to provide a mild and pleasant acidic taste. Compared to other acidulants such as citric acid, its sourness is less sharp and longer-lasting. Common applications include:
- Effervescent powders and tablets
- Baking powder as a leavening acid component
- Gelatin desserts and puddings
- Confectionery and gummy candies
- Beverage powders and instant products
Industrial Use
Beyond the food industry, adipic acid plays a major role in the chemical industry. It is a key raw material in the production of nylon (polyamide 6,6), polyurethanes, and various plasticizers and lubricants. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in tablets and as a buffering agent.
Safety and Health Assessment
Adipic acid is considered safe when used as intended. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed adipic acid as a food additive and classified it as safe, provided that established maximum levels are respected. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been set at 5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
Potential Effects of Excessive Intake
At very high doses, adipic acid may be irritating to mucous membranes. However, at typical levels used as a food additive, no adverse health effects are known. Individuals with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract may still wish to moderate their consumption of heavily acidified products.
Labeling and Regulation
In the European Union, adipic acid is listed as additive E355 under food additive regulations and may only be used in specific food categories and within defined maximum limits. Consumers can identify adipic acid on a product label either under the name adipic acid or as E355.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of adipic acid (E 355), adipates (E 356, E 357) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2014.
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Food additives - Information on acidulants. Berlin, 2020.
- Burdock, G.A.: Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press, 6th edition, 2010.
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