Ammonium aluminum sulfate
Score impact
-0.30
points/product
Description
E523, known as ammonium aluminum sulfate, is a food additive classified as a stabilizer. It is a double salt of aluminum and ammonium that appears as colorless crystals or white powder, odorless with a slightly astringent taste.
Its chemical formula is AlNH4(SO4)2·12H2O (dodecahydrate). Industrially, it is obtained by reacting aluminum sulfate with ammonium sulfate in aqueous solution, followed by crystallization. It can also be produced from bauxite or clay treated with sulfuric acid and then neutralized with ammonia.
Its physicochemical properties include high solubility in water (approximately 150 g/L at 20 °C), pH of aqueous solution around 3-4 (acidic), and melting point of 93.5 °C (loses water of crystallization). As a stabilizer, its main function is to maintain the texture and consistency of foods, preventing phase separation or unwanted crystallization. It also acts as an acidity regulator and firming agent in certain products.
Historically, aluminum salts have been used in food preservation since the 19th century. In the European Union, E523 was authorized as a food additive following Directive 95/2/EC and is currently regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety on several occasions, most recently in 2018 (EFSA Panel on Food Additives).
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.6 mg/kg body weight for all aluminum salts, including E523. This ADI is based on toxicity studies showing that aluminum can accumulate in the body and potentially affect the nervous and skeletal systems. However, dietary exposure to aluminum through additives is generally low and does not exceed the ADI in the general population.
The overall safety assessment is that E523 is safe in authorized amounts, but moderation is recommended in sensitive groups such as children or people with kidney disease. In labeling, it must appear as "ammonium aluminum sulfate" or "E523" in the ingredient list.
In summary, E523 is a commonly used food additive stabilizer with an acceptable safety profile under authorized conditions of use.
E523 is mainly used as a stabilizer, acidity regulator, and firming agent in various food categories. According to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, its authorized uses include: canned fruits and vegetables (to maintain firmness), fine bakery products (such as cakes and cookies, to improve texture), and some confectionery products.
In the Spanish market, it can be found in table olives (to prevent softening), pickled gherkins, and some types of processed cheese. It is also used in the manufacture of pasteurized egg whites to stabilize foam. Maximum permitted limits vary by product: for example, in table olives up to 200 mg/kg (expressed as aluminum), in canned fruits up to 200 mg/kg, and in fine bakery products up to 100 mg/kg. Compared to the US FDA, ammonium aluminum sulfate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for certain uses, but with similar restrictions. In Japan, its use is permitted under the food additive standard, with comparable limits.
It is important to note that total aluminum exposure from all sources (including water, natural foods, and cooking utensils) is considered when establishing safety limits.
The side effects of E523 are mainly related to aluminum toxicity. Aluminum can accumulate in the body, especially in bones and the nervous system. Animal studies have shown that high doses of aluminum can cause neurotoxicity and affect bone development. In humans, chronic exposure to high levels of aluminum has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, although there is no conclusive evidence that aluminum from food additives causes this disease.
EFSA, in its 2018 evaluation, concluded that dietary exposure to aluminum through additives does not pose a health risk for the general population, but noted that young children may have higher exposure relative to their body weight. Sensitive populations include people with kidney failure, as aluminum is primarily eliminated via the kidneys and can accumulate in these patients. No significant interactions with medications have been documented, although aluminum can interfere with the absorption of some drugs such as tetracycline antibiotics if taken simultaneously.
WHO and EFSA have established an ADI of 0.6 mg/kg body weight for all aluminum salts. Acute toxicity studies show low oral toxicity (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg in rats).
In conclusion, E523 is considered safe in authorized amounts, but it is recommended not to exceed the ADI, especially in vulnerable groups.
- Ammonium aluminum sulfate
- Ammonium alum
- Ammonium alum
- Ammonium aluminum sulfate
- Aluminum ammonium sulfate dodecahydrate
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