Allervibe
E297
Fumaric acid
A powdered organic acid with a strong, slow-dissolving sourness, used as an acidulant.
i Additive Details
| Is E297 Fumaric acid safe?
Considered safe at the levels used in food. Fumaric acid is poorly soluble and only partly absorbed, so large amounts passing through the gut can have a laxative effect. Like other food acids it can contribute to dental enamel erosion in sour sweets and drink powders.
| Uses
Used mainly in dry mixes such as powdered drinks, jelly and dessert powders, baking mixes, tortillas and bread, because it stays a free-flowing powder that does not attract moisture or cake. It also appears in fruit fillings, wine and confectionery. Gram for gram it is the most strongly sour of the common food acids, so less is needed.
| Interactions
Often blended with faster-dissolving acids such as citric or malic acid so that a mixture tastes sour immediately and then holds that sourness. Wetting agents are sometimes added to help it dissolve. Its sodium, potassium and calcium salts are used where less acidity is wanted, and in baking it works with sodium bicarbonate as a slow-reacting raising acid.
| Origin
Occurs naturally in fungi, lichens, Iceland moss and many plants, and is an intermediate of the citric acid cycle in every living cell. Commercial fumaric acid is produced by isomerisation of maleic acid or by fermentation with Rhizopus moulds.
| Daily Intake
Fumaric acid is a normal intermediate of human metabolism and is regarded as low in toxicity. In the EU its use is controlled through maximum levels set for each food category and it is assessed together with its fumarate salts, rather than through a single daily figure. Poor solubility and a strong taste keep real intakes low.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E260 Acetic acid The acid that gives vinegar its sour taste, used to acidify and preserve food.
- E296 Malic acid The acid that gives apples their sharpness, used to add tartness and control pH.
- E331 Trisodium citrate The sodium salt of citric acid, used to control acidity and to bind metal ions.
- E332 Potassium citrates The potassium salts of citric acid, used to regulate acidity and bind metal ions.
- E334 L(+)-tartaric acid The natural acid of grapes, used to add sourness and as the acid in baking powder.
- E575 Glucono-delta-lactone A mild acid formed from glucose that slowly turns into gluconic acid once it meets water.
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