Sodium tartrates
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points/product
Description
The food additive E335, known as sodium tartrates, is a sodium salt of tartaric acid. It exists in two forms: monosodium tartrate (E335(i)) and disodium tartrate (E335(ii)). It is a white crystalline powder, odorless, with a slightly acidic and salty taste. It is produced industrially by neutralizing tartaric acid (E334) with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
Tartaric acid is obtained from by-products of the wine industry (lees and grape pomace) or by chemical synthesis. E335 is highly soluble in water and forms acidic solutions (pH around 4-5 for monosodium and 7-8 for disodium). Its main functions are as a stabilizer, metal sequestrant, acidity regulator, and texture agent.
In the EU, it was approved as a food additive following evaluations by EFSA and the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has re-evaluated its safety several times, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 30 mg/kg body weight for tartaric acid and its salts (expressed as tartaric acid). The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated the additive, confirming its safety at authorized doses.
On labeling, it must appear as 'sodium tartrates' or 'E335'. It is considered a safe additive with no significant adverse effects at permitted use levels. The overall safety assessment is high, and no public health risks have been identified under normal consumption conditions.
E335 is used in a wide variety of food categories according to Regulation EC 1333/2008. Common uses include: bakery and pastry products (as dough stabilizer and texture improver), dairy products (processed cheese, dairy desserts), confectionery (candies, chewing gum), beverages (soft drinks, juices), canned fruits and vegetables, and sauces.
In the Spanish market, it is found in products such as cookies, pastries, ice cream, jams, and jellies. Authorized limits vary by category: for example, in fine bakery products up to 5000 mg/kg, in non-alcoholic beverages up to 1000 mg/kg, and in confectionery up to 20000 mg/kg. The FDA also considers it GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for similar uses, though without specific limits. In Japan, its use is permitted with restrictions similar to those in Europe. There are no significant regulatory differences between these regions.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and WHO have not identified significant adverse effects of E335 at authorized doses. At high doses (well above the ADI), a laxative effect has been observed due to the osmotic action of unabsorbed salts, similar to other polyols and salts. This effect does not occur under normal consumption conditions. No carcinogenic, genotoxic, or teratogenic effects have been documented.
The biological mechanism is simple: tartrates are partially absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in urine. They do not accumulate in the body. Sensitive populations (people with renal insufficiency) may have reduced excretion, but exposure levels are so low that they pose no risk. No interactions with medications are known.
The conclusion of EFSA and WHO is that E335 is safe for the general population at authorized use levels. No allergic reactions attributable to the additive have been reported.
- Monosodium tartrate
- Disodium tartrate
- Sodium salt of tartaric acid
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