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E515 Potassium Sulphates – Food Additive Explained

E515 is the EU designation for potassium sulphates, used as food additives for acidity regulation and as carriers. They are considered safe when used as intended.

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Things worth knowing about "E515"

E515 is the EU designation for potassium sulphates, used as food additives for acidity regulation and as carriers. They are considered safe when used as intended.

What is E515?

E515 is the European Union designation for potassium sulphates, a group of potassium salts of sulphuric acid. The designation covers two distinct compounds:

E515(i) – Potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄): the neutral potassium salt of sulphuric acid
E515(ii) – Potassium hydrogen sulphate (KHSO₄): the acidic potassium salt of sulphuric acid, also known as potassium bisulphate

Potassium sulphates occur naturally and can also be produced synthetically. In the food industry, they serve as processing aids and food additives.

Function and Use in Food

E515 fulfils several technological functions in food products:

Acidity regulator: E515 can stabilise and regulate the pH level in food products.
Carrier substance: Potassium sulphates act as carriers for other additives or flavourings, helping to distribute them evenly throughout a food product.
Flour treatment agent: In certain applications, E515 is used to improve the baking properties of flour.

Typical fields of application include baked goods, certain seasoning blends, cheese products, and the wine and brewing industries.

Safety and Regulatory Approval

Within the European Union, E515 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed potassium sulphates and classified them as safe, provided they are used in accordance with the permitted quantities and areas of application.

No specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value has been established for potassium sulphates, as they are considered safe at normal dietary consumption levels. Potassium sulphate also supplies the body with the essential mineral potassium, which plays a key role in muscle function, nerve signalling, and cardiovascular health.

Health Considerations

For healthy adults, potassium sulphates are harmless in the amounts typically found in food products. However, individuals with impaired kidney function should monitor their overall potassium intake, as the kidneys are responsible for excreting excess potassium. Excessive intake of potassium salts can lead to elevated blood potassium levels (hyperkalaemia) in people with kidney disease, which may cause serious cardiac arrhythmias.

When used as intended as a food additive, E515 poses no known health risk to the general population.

Labelling Requirements

When E515 is used in a food product, it must be declared in the ingredient list in accordance with EU food labelling legislation -- either as E515 or under the name potassium sulphates.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of potassium sulphates (E 515) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2019.
European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
World Health Organization (WHO) / FAO: General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), Codex Alimentarius. FAO/WHO, Rome.

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