Iron III mesotartrate
Score impact
0.00
points/product
Description
The food additive E534, known as Iron III mesotartrate, is a compound of iron and mesotartaric acid primarily used as an acidity regulator in foods. It belongs to the tartrate group and appears as a reddish-brown crystalline powder, soluble in water.
Industrially, it is obtained by reacting mesotartaric acid with iron(III) salts, such as ferric chloride, under controlled pH and temperature conditions. The resulting product is purified and dried to obtain the final additive. From a physicochemical standpoint, E534 acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the desired pH in foods. Its main function is to regulate acidity, but it can also contribute to iron fortification in products.
The history of its use in the European Union dates back to its authorization as a food additive, having been evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.5 mg/kg body weight for iron from this additive, based on toxicity and bioavailability studies.
The overall safety assessment indicates that, at authorized use levels, E534 does not pose a risk to consumer health. On product labels, it must appear as 'acidity regulators' or by its specific name 'Iron III mesotartrate' or the number E534.
It is important to note that the food safety of this additive has been supported by scientific evaluations, although its use is restricted to certain food categories.
E534 is mainly used in food products where acidity regulation is required and, in some cases, as a source of iron. According to Regulation EC 1333/2008, it is authorized in the European Union for use in certain food categories, such as non-alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and fine bakery products. Maximum use levels vary by category; for example, in non-alcoholic beverages it can reach up to 200 mg/L, while in dairy products the limit is 100 mg/kg.
In the Spanish market, it can be found in some soft drinks, yogurts, and iron-fortified cookies. Compared to the US FDA, E534 is not directly approved as a food additive, although iron in the form of tartrate may be used as a mineral supplement. In Japan, its use is permitted under certain conditions.
The presence of this additive in products must be declared in the ingredient list, and its consumption is within the safe limits established by health authorities.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and JECFA indicate that E534 does not present significant adverse effects at authorized use levels. The ADI of 0.5 mg/kg body weight for iron from this additive was established considering the potential accumulation of iron in the body. In sensitive populations, such as individuals with hemochromatosis or iron overload disorders, excessive consumption could worsen their condition.
No specific drug interactions have been documented with this additive. Reported side effects in animal studies at high doses include gastrointestinal irritation, but at human exposure levels no problems are expected. EFSA concluded that E534 is safe for the general consumer when used within established limits. There is no evidence of carcinogenic, genotoxic, or teratogenic effects.
In summary, the safety profile of E534 is favorable, and its use is supported by rigorous scientific evaluations.
- Iron(III) mesotartrate
- Ferric mesotartrate
- Iron(III) mesotartrate
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