E363 Ammonium Succinate – Food Additive
E363 (ammonium succinate) is an approved food additive used as an acidity regulator in processed foods to stabilise pH and enhance flavour.
Things worth knowing about "E363"
E363 (ammonium succinate) is an approved food additive used as an acidity regulator in processed foods to stabilise pH and enhance flavour.
What is E363 (Ammonium Succinate)?
E363 is the EU designation for ammonium succinate, the ammonium salt of succinic acid. It belongs to the category of acidulants and acidity regulators and is used in the food industry to stabilise the pH of products and to provide a mild, slightly sour taste profile.
Chemical Properties
Ammonium succinate is formed by the reaction of succinic acid with ammonia. The compound appears as a white, crystalline powder, is highly water-soluble, and has little to no odour. In aqueous solution, it exhibits a mildly acidic to neutral pH.
- Chemical formula: (NH4)2C4H4O4
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Solubility: Freely soluble in water
Use in Food Products
E363 is used in a range of processed foods as an acidity regulator. It controls pH levels, improves shelf life, and can act as a flavour enhancer by providing a pleasant background of mild sourness.
Typical Applications
- Dried soups and bouillon powders
- Snack products and crackers
- Powdered foods and drink mixes
- Ready meal mixes and seasonings
Safety and Regulatory Status
E363 is authorised in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated ammonium succinate and considered it safe when used at permitted levels. No specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) was established, as no safety concerns were identified under normal conditions of use.
Succinic acid is a naturally occurring intermediate in human metabolism, specifically in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and is readily processed by the body. The ammonium ion is likewise metabolised through normal amino acid pathways.
Possible Intolerances
E363 is generally considered well tolerated by the general population. In very rare cases, sensitive individuals may react to ammonium compounds or succinic acid. People with impaired kidney function should generally avoid excessive intake of ammonium salts and consult a healthcare professional if in doubt.
Labelling Requirements
Under EU food labelling legislation, E363 must be declared on the ingredient list of products either as E363 or as ammonium succinate. This allows consumers to clearly identify products containing this additive.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of succinic acid (E 363) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2019.
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union.
- Bauer, K. et al. - Food Additives: A Handbook for Food Chemists. Springer Verlag, 2020.
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