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E514 – Sodium Sulfates: Uses and Safety

E514 is the European code for sodium sulfates, a group of inorganic salts approved as food additives. They are primarily used as carriers and processing aids in food production.

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Things worth knowing about "E514"

E514 is the European code for sodium sulfates, a group of inorganic salts approved as food additives. They are primarily used as carriers and processing aids in food production.

What is E514?

E514 is the European Union designation for sodium sulfates, a group of inorganic salts derived from sulfuric acid. The code covers two compounds: sodium sulfate (E514i) and sodium hydrogen sulfate (E514ii). As approved food additives in the EU, these substances are primarily used as carriers, processing aids, and acidity regulators in food manufacturing.

Chemical Properties

Sodium sulfate is a white, crystalline powder that dissolves readily in water. It exists in anhydrous form or as the decahydrate, commonly known as Glauber's salt. Sodium hydrogen sulfate is also a white salt that forms an acidic solution when dissolved in water. Both compounds are odourless and largely tasteless.

Uses in Food

In the food industry, sodium sulfates serve several technological functions:

Carrier substance: They are used to dissolve, dilute, or disperse other additives or flavourings without altering their technological function.
Acidity regulation: Sodium hydrogen sulfate can be used to adjust the pH level in certain food products.
Processing aid: Used as a technical aid during the manufacture of specific foods.

The use of E514 in the EU is governed by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, and it is only permitted in specific food categories and at defined maximum levels.

Occurrence and Labelling

Sodium sulfates occur naturally in mineral water and various minerals. When used as food additives, they must be declared on the ingredient list under EU labelling regulations, either by the name sodium sulfates or the code E514.

Safety and Tolerability

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed sodium sulfates and concluded they are safe when used at the permitted levels. For healthy adults, the amounts found in food are considered harmless. However, individuals with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract or kidney conditions should exercise caution with high intake, as larger amounts of sodium sulfate can have a laxative effect. Sodium hydrogen sulfate may also cause mucosal irritation in sensitive individuals.

Medical Relevance

In medicine, sodium sulfate (Glauber's salt) has traditionally been used as a laxative and for bowel preparation before surgery or diagnostic procedures. Sodium hydrogen sulfate is used as a cleaning agent and pH regulator in various medical and industrial applications.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of sodium sulphate (E 514i) and sodium hydrogen sulphate (E 514ii) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2020.
European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
Belitz, H.-D.; Grosch, W.; Schieberle, P.: Food Chemistry. 4th revised and extended edition. Springer-Verlag, Berlin/Heidelberg, 2009.

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