Ferrocyanides
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Description
The food additive E535, known as sodium or potassium ferrocyanide, belongs to the category of anticaking agents. Its main function is to prevent powdered products, especially table salt and its substitutes, from forming lumps when absorbing moisture. It is a complex inorganic compound, a hexacyanoferrate (II) containing iron and cyanide in a stable structure.
Industrially, it is obtained from cyanides and iron salts, or as a byproduct in the purification of coke oven gas. It is a pale yellow crystalline solid, soluble in water and practically odorless.
Its use as a food additive dates back to the early 20th century, and it was approved in the European Union after evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). EFSA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-0.03 mg/kg body weight, expressed as ferrocyanide ion. This ADI is very low due to concerns about possible cyanide release in the body, although studies indicate that release is minimal under normal conditions.
The overall safety assessment is that, within authorized limits, E535 is considered safe for the general population. However, there is controversy over its use, especially in organic products, where it is not allowed. On labeling, it must appear as 'sodium ferrocyanide' or 'potassium ferrocyanide', or with its E number.
The food safety of E535 has been reaffirmed by EFSA in its latest evaluations, although continuous exposure monitoring is recommended.
E535 is mainly used as an anticaking agent in table salt and salt substitutes (such as low-sodium salt). It is also used in some condiments and spices, as well as in bakery and pastry products in small amounts.
In the Spanish market, it is commonly found in fine salts and cooking salts, especially in brands that seek to prevent clumping. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, the authorized limits are 20 mg/kg (expressed as anhydrous sodium ferrocyanide) for salt and its substitutes. Compared to the FDA, in the United States sodium ferrocyanide is allowed as an anticaking agent in salt with a maximum limit of 13 mg/kg (as anhydrous sodium ferrocyanide), similar to the European limit. In Japan, its use is permitted but with similar restrictions. It is not allowed in organic products according to EU regulations.
Documented adverse effects of E535 are scarce at authorized doses. The main theoretical risk is the release of cyanide, a toxic compound, from ferrocyanide in the gastrointestinal tract. However, studies in animals and humans have shown that cyanide release is minimal and does not reach toxic levels.
The biological mechanism involves ferrocyanide being stable in the acidic stomach, but it can partially decompose in the intestine due to bacterial action. EFSA concluded that dietary exposure to E535 does not pose a health risk. Sensitive populations such as people with iodine deficiency or kidney problems have not shown specific adverse reactions.
No interactions with medications have been reported. WHO and EFSA consider E535 safe within the established ADI. However, some consumer groups express concern about the presence of cyanide, although in a bound and non-toxic form.
In summary, side effects are practically non-existent under normal conditions of use.
- Sodium ferrocyanide
- Potassium ferrocyanide
- Sodium hexacyanoferrate (II)
- Potassium hexacyanoferrate (II)
- Yellow prussiate of soda
- Sodium ferrocyanide
- Potassium ferrocyanide
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