Sodium aluminium sulfate
Score impact
-0.30
points/product
Description
E521, also known as sodium aluminium sulfate (soda alum), is a food additive classified as a stabilizer. It is a double salt of aluminium and sodium with the chemical formula AlNa(SO4)2·12H2O, appearing as colorless crystals or a white, odorless powder with a slightly astringent taste. Industrially, it is obtained by reacting aluminium sulfate with sodium sulfate in aqueous solution, followed by crystallization.
Its main function is to act as a stabilizer, firming agent, and acidity regulator, especially in products requiring a firm texture, such as pickles (gherkins, olives) to maintain their crunchiness. It is also used as a flour treatment agent (improves dough) and in water clarification (though this is not its primary food use).
In the European Union, E521 has been authorized as a food additive since the first listings of Directive 95/2/EC, and its use is regulated by Regulation (EC) 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety several times, most recently in 2018, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.14 mg of aluminium per kg of body weight per day (expressed as aluminium). The World Health Organization (WHO) has also set a similar ADI.
The overall safety assessment is that, at authorized levels, it does not pose a health risk to the general population, although moderation is recommended in groups with high aluminium exposure from other sources.
On the label, it must appear as "sodium aluminium sulfate" or "E521".
It is important to note that aluminium has been controversial due to its possible link to neurodegenerative diseases, but studies have not demonstrated a direct causality with the consumption of additives within legal limits.
E521 is mainly used in the European Union as a stabilizer and firming agent in a variety of foods. According to Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, it is authorized in: pickled vegetables (gherkins, olives, onions) with a maximum limit of 200 mg/kg (expressed as aluminium); dehydrated egg whites (up to 30 mg/kg); and as a flour treatment agent (up to 200 mg/kg).
In Spain, it is commonly found in table olives (Manzanilla, Gordal types) and pickled gherkins from brands such as Borges, La Española, or Hacendado. It may also appear in industrial pastries and frozen doughs to improve texture. In the United States, the FDA considers it GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for similar uses, but with more restrictive limits in some products. In Japan, its use is permitted but with strict controls. Comparatively, the EU is more restrictive than the US regarding the total amount of aluminium allowed in the diet.
E521 should not be confused with E520 (aluminium sulfate) or E523 (ammonium aluminium sulfate), although all are alums.
The side effects of E521 are mainly related to its aluminium content. Aluminium can accumulate in the body, especially in bones and the brain, and has been associated with neurological toxicity in animal studies and in patients with renal insufficiency (dialysis). However, EFSA concluded in 2018 that, for the general population, dietary exposure to aluminium through additives such as E521 is below the ADI (0.14 mg/kg/day) and does not pose a significant risk.
No acute adverse effects in humans have been documented from consumption of E521 in foods. Sensitive populations include people with chronic kidney disease, as they eliminate aluminium slowly, and infants fed with infant formulas (although E521 is not authorized in infant formulas). No interactions with common medications are known.
The WHO and EFSA agree that, respecting legal limits, E521 is safe. However, some epidemiological studies have suggested a possible link between chronic aluminium exposure and diseases such as Alzheimer's, but causality has not been established. As a precaution, it is recommended not to exceed the daily intake of aluminium from other sources (water, cookware, antacid medications).
- Aluminium sodium sulfate
- Soda alum
- Sodium alum
- Sodium aluminum sulfate
- Aluminium sodium sulphate
Classification:
Statistics
13
total views
Something wrong?
If you notice incorrect or incomplete information, help us improve the platform.