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E297 Fumaric Acid – Food Additive

E297 is the EU approval number for fumaric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidity regulator and flavoring agent in food products.

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Things worth knowing about "E297"

E297 is the EU approval number for fumaric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidity regulator and flavoring agent in food products.

What is E297 (Fumaric Acid)?

E297 refers to fumaric acid (chemically: trans-butenedioic acid), a naturally occurring organic dicarboxylic acid. It is found in small amounts in various plants, fungi, and as an intermediate in human metabolism. As a food additive, it is produced synthetically and approved within the European Union under the designation E297.

Use in Food

Fumaric acid is used primarily in the food industry as an acidity regulator and as a component of leavening agents. Due to its high acid strength and low water solubility, it is particularly well suited for applications where a delayed or controlled acidification is desired.

Baked goods (e.g., as a component of baking powder)
Dry beverage powders and effervescent tablets
Jellies, puddings, and dessert powders
Fruit pie fillings
Wine and grape must (as an acidifying agent)

Chemical Properties

Fumaric acid is a white, crystalline powder with a pleasant, mildly fruity, tart taste. Compared to other food acids such as citric acid (E330) or tartaric acid (E334), it has a significantly higher acid strength per unit of weight, making it economically attractive. Its low solubility in water is an important technological factor that is deliberately utilized in food processing.

Safety and Health Assessment

Fumaric acid is well tolerated by the human body because it is a natural intermediate of the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) – a central metabolic pathway for energy production in all body cells. At the levels typically consumed through food, it is considered safe.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E297 and classified it as safe when used within the approved maximum levels. No specific ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) value was set by EFSA, as no safety concerns were identified at normal intake levels.

Possible Side Effects from Excessive Consumption

In rare cases, very high intake may lead to:

Gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., nausea, abdominal pain)
Mild irritation of mucous membranes upon direct contact with the powder

Individuals with known sensitivity to organic acids should consume products containing fumaric acid with caution.

Medical Relevance

Fumaric acid also has medical significance: derivatives of fumaric acid, known as fumaric acid esters (e.g., dimethyl fumarate), are used as prescription medicines for the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. However, this medical application must be clearly distinguished from its use as a food additive.

Labeling and Regulation

In the EU, E297 is permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Foods containing fumaric acid must declare it in the ingredient list either by its name fumaric acid or by its designation E297.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of fumaric acid (E 297) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2014.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
Belitz, H.D., Grosch, W., Schieberle, P.: Food Chemistry. Springer Verlag, Berlin, 4th edition, 2009.

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