Potassium sodium tartrate
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Description
E337, also known as potassium sodium tartrate or Seignette salt, is a food additive primarily used as a stabilizer, acidity regulator, and water retention agent. It is the mixed sodium-potassium salt of tartaric acid (E334), a natural organic acid found in many fruits, especially grapes. Industrially, it is obtained by neutralizing tartaric acid with sodium and potassium hydroxide, followed by crystallization and purification.
It is a white crystalline solid, odorless, with a salty and slightly acidic taste. It is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. Its main function is to stabilize emulsions, prevent phase separation, and improve food texture. It also acts as a sequestrant of metal ions, preventing oxidation and discoloration reactions. The use of potassium sodium tartrate as a food additive has a long history.
It was discovered in the 17th century by the French pharmacist Pierre Seignette, hence its common name. In the European Union, it has been authorized since the first additive lists, and its use is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety several times, most recently in 2020, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 240 mg/kg body weight per day for tartaric acid and its salts (expressed as tartaric acid). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have also evaluated this additive, setting the same ADI.
The overall safety assessment is very favorable: it is considered a safe additive at the levels used in the food industry. On labels, it must appear as 'potassium sodium tartrate' or 'E337'. No significant adverse effects in humans have been identified at current consumption levels.
In summary, E337 is a safe and effective food additive widely used in the European food industry.
E337 is used in a wide variety of food categories as a stabilizer, acidity regulator, and water retention agent. According to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, it is authorized in products such as: fine bakery products (cakes, cookies, sponge cakes) with a maximum limit of 5,000 mg/kg; cocoa and chocolate products (up to 3,000 mg/kg); confectionery (candies, chewing gum) up to 5,000 mg/kg; ice cream (up to 1,000 mg/kg); jams, jellies, and marmalades (up to 3,000 mg/kg); soups and broths (up to 1,000 mg/kg); sauces and condiments (up to 5,000 mg/kg); non-alcoholic beverages (up to 1,000 mg/kg); and wines (up to 1,000 mg/l).
In the Spanish market, it is found in products such as Maria cookies, industrial pastries, fruit candies, vanilla ice cream, strawberry jam, instant soups, tomato sauces, and cola soft drinks. Compared to the US FDA, potassium sodium tartrate is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and has no specific limits, only good manufacturing practices. In Japan, it is also permitted with limits similar to European ones.
The versatility of E337 makes it a widely used additive in the food industry.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and JECFA have not found significant adverse effects associated with the consumption of potassium sodium tartrate at permitted levels. The ADI of 240 mg/kg bw/day (expressed as tartaric acid) is much higher than the estimated dietary intake, which is around 30-40 mg/kg bw/day in adults. In animal studies, very high doses (above 1,000 mg/kg bw/day) have shown laxative effects due to the osmotic action of salts, but no chronic toxic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic effects have been observed. In humans, excessive consumption of tartrates may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea or flatulence, especially in sensitive individuals.
No particularly vulnerable populations have been identified, although patients with renal insufficiency should be cautious due to potassium accumulation. No interactions with medications are known. EFSA concludes that E337 does not pose a risk to public health under the authorized conditions of use. WHO/JECFA also considers it safe.
Therefore, potassium sodium tartrate is a well-tolerated and safe food additive.
- Seignette salt
- Sodium potassium tartrate
- Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate
- Potassium sodium tartrate
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