E351 – Potassium Malate: Uses, Effects & Safety
E351 refers to potassium malate, a salt of malic acid. It is used as an acidifier and acidity regulator in food products and is considered safe for human consumption.
Things worth knowing about "E351"
E351 refers to potassium malate, a salt of malic acid. It is used as an acidifier and acidity regulator in food products and is considered safe for human consumption.
What is E351 (Potassium Malate)?
E351 is the EU designation for potassium malate, the potassium salt of malic acid. It is an approved food additive in the European Union, primarily used as an acidifier and acidity regulator. Malic acid occurs naturally in many fruits, most notably apples and grapes, making potassium malate a naturally derived compound that can also be produced synthetically.
Origin and Chemical Properties
Potassium malate is the potassium salt of malic acid (2-hydroxybutanedioic acid). It appears as a white, crystalline or powdered solid, is readily soluble in water, and has a mildly sour to neutral taste. It can be obtained from natural sources or manufactured through chemical synthesis.
- Chemical formula: C4H4KO5 (monopotassium malate) or C4H3K2O5 (dipotassium malate)
- E-number: E351
- Category: Acidifier, acidity regulator
Uses in Food
E351 serves several technological purposes in the food industry:
- Acidity regulation: Adjusting and stabilizing the pH value of food products
- Flavor enhancement: Providing a pleasant, fruity, mildly sour taste
- Preservation: Supporting shelf life by lowering the pH of products
- Texture improvement: Influencing the consistency of certain food items
Common applications include soft drinks, fruit juices, confectionery, desserts, baked goods, canned fruits, and dietary products.
Safety and Health Assessment
Potassium malate is considered a safe food additive by the relevant authorities. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated potassium malate and classified it as safe when used in accordance with established maximum limits. No specific ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) value has been set, as no safety concerns were identified at normal use levels.
Since E351 contains potassium, individuals with kidney disease or those required to follow a low-potassium diet should take this into account and consult their physician. For healthy individuals, the amount of potassium ingested through food additives is negligibly small.
Labeling and Regulation
In the European Union, E351 is authorized under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. On food labels, the substance is listed either as E351 or as potassium malate. The regulation stipulates that this additive may only be used in specific food categories and at defined maximum levels (quantum satis – meaning as much as is technologically necessary).
Tolerability and Allergies
E351 is generally well tolerated and is not considered a common trigger of food intolerances or allergic reactions. It is gluten-free, lactose-free, and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Individuals with a known sensitivity to malic acid or its salts should avoid products containing this additive.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of malic acid (E 296) and its salts (E 350, E 351, E 352) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2013.
- European Union: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): Evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants. WHO Technical Report Series, Geneva.
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