E357 Potassium Malate – Food Additive
E357 is the EU food additive potassium malate, a salt of malic acid. It is used as an acidity regulator and flavour enhancer in a wide range of food products.
Things worth knowing about "E357"
E357 is the EU food additive potassium malate, a salt of malic acid. It is used as an acidity regulator and flavour enhancer in a wide range of food products.
What is E357 (Potassium Malate)?
E357, known as potassium malate, is a food additive approved for use in the European Union. It is the potassium salt of malic acid – specifically L-malic acid – a naturally occurring organic acid found abundantly in fruits, especially apples. Potassium malate appears as a white, crystalline powder and is readily soluble in water.
Uses in Food
E357 is primarily used in the food industry as an acidity regulator, helping to stabilise the pH of food products and achieve a pleasantly mild, slightly fruity taste. It can also function as a flavour enhancer and stabiliser.
- Fruit preparations and jams
- Soft drinks and fruit juices
- Confectionery and chewing gum
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dietary foods and food supplements
Mechanism of Action and Chemical Properties
As a salt of malic acid, potassium malate dissociates in aqueous solution, releasing potassium ions and malate ions. The malate ions act as a buffer, helping to neutralise unwanted pH fluctuations in food products. This contributes to flavour stability and extended shelf life. The released potassium is an essential mineral required for numerous physiological functions in the human body.
Safety and Health Assessment
E357 is considered safe for consumption at approved levels by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). No known allergenic potential has been identified. Since potassium malate provides both potassium and malate – both of which are substances naturally present in human metabolism – it is well processed by the body.
Individuals with impaired kidney function or hyperkalaemia (elevated blood potassium levels) should exercise caution with high intakes of potassium-containing food additives and seek medical advice.
Labelling and Approval
In the EU, E357 is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. On food labels, it is listed either as E357 or by its name potassium malate. Permitted maximum levels depend on the specific food category as defined in EU food additive regulations.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of malic acid (E 296) and its sodium and potassium salts (E 350, E 351, E 352, E 353, E 357) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2013.
- European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.
- WHO / FAO: Compendium of Food Additive Specifications – Monographs on Potassium Malate. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
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