E574 – Gluconic Acid: Uses and Safety
E574 is the EU food additive code for gluconic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidity regulator and acidulant in food products.
Things worth knowing about "E574"
E574 is the EU food additive code for gluconic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidity regulator and acidulant in food products.
What is E574 (Gluconic Acid)?
E574 is the European food additive designation for gluconic acid, a mild organic acid that occurs naturally in fruits, honey, and fermented foods. It is produced by the oxidation of glucose and is widely used in the food industry for its technological properties. Gluconic acid is well tolerated and considered safe for consumption.
Origin and Production
Gluconic acid is found naturally in a variety of foods, including:
- Honey
- Grapes, apples, and other fruits
- Wine and beer (as a fermentation by-product)
- Various fermented food products
For industrial purposes, gluconic acid is primarily produced through microbial fermentation of glucose, typically using the mold Aspergillus niger or through enzymatic oxidation processes.
Uses in Food
As a food additive, E574 serves several technological functions:
- Acidulant: Adjusts the pH level and imparts a mild, pleasant acidity to foods and beverages.
- Acidity regulator: Stabilizes the acid content of processed food products.
- Leavening agent: Can be used in combination with sodium bicarbonate as a chemical leavening agent in baked goods.
- Sequestrant: Binds metal ions to prevent unwanted chemical reactions and preserve food quality.
Typical applications include baked goods, soft drinks, dairy products, and dietary supplements.
Safety and Health Assessment
Gluconic acid and its salts (gluconates) are considered safe and are well metabolized by the human body. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E574 and found no safety concerns. No Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) has been established, as no toxicological risks have been identified. No allergic reactions or adverse health effects are documented at typical dietary intake levels.
Labeling and Regulation
Within the European Union, E574 is authorized under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. On food packaging, the additive must be declared either as E574 or as gluconic acid. Its use is restricted to specific food categories and maximum permitted levels.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of gluconic acid (E574) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2013.
- European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- Burdock, G.A.: Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. 6th Edition. CRC Press, 2010.
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