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E350 Sodium Malate – Food Additive Explained

E350 is an approved food additive (sodium malate) used as an acidity regulator and acidulant in a wide range of processed foods.

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Things worth knowing about "E350"

E350 is an approved food additive (sodium malate) used as an acidity regulator and acidulant in a wide range of processed foods.

What is E350?

E350 refers to the food additive sodium malate, which is the sodium salt of malic acid. It includes two compounds: sodium malate (E350i) and sodium hydrogen malate (E350ii). Both substances occur naturally in many fruits, especially apples, and are either synthetically produced or derived from natural sources for use in the food industry.

Uses and Functions

E350 is primarily used in the food industry as an acidity regulator and acidulant. It regulates the pH value of food products, enhances flavour, and contributes to preservation by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

Regulation of acidity levels in food products
Flavour enhancement and taste rounding
Extension of product shelf life
Use as a buffering agent for pH stabilisation

Occurrence in Foods

E350 can be found in a wide variety of processed foods, including:

Confectionery and chewing gum
Soft drinks and fruit juices
Desserts, jellies, and jams
Baked goods and snack products
Diet products and reduced-calorie foods

Safety and Approval

E350 is approved in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed sodium malate as safe for human consumption. No specific ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been established, as the substance is considered safe at typical consumption levels.

Malic acid and its salts are naturally metabolised by the human body, since malic acid is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), which is central to cellular energy production.

Tolerability and Possible Side Effects

E350 is well tolerated by most people. However, very high intakes of sodium malate could contribute to increased sodium consumption, which may be relevant for individuals with high blood pressure or kidney disease. No adverse health effects are known at normal dietary intake levels.

People who are required to follow a low-sodium diet should be mindful of the sodium content contributed by food additives in processed products.

Comparison with Related Additives

E350 (sodium malate) belongs to the group of malates. Related food additives include:

E296 – Malic acid (the free acid form)
E351 – Potassium malate (potassium salt of malic acid)
E352 – Calcium malate (calcium salt of malic acid)

Labelling

Foods containing E350 must declare this additive in the ingredients list, either as E350 or as sodium malate. Consumers wishing to reduce their intake of food additives can identify and avoid relevant products by reading ingredient labels carefully.

References

European Commission – Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) – Re-evaluation of malic acid (E 296) and its salts as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2013;11(10):3402.
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;13(4):377-399.

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