Potassium Aluminium Sulphate (E506): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Potash alum (KAl(SO4)2). Used as the acid component in baking powder, as a firming agent in pickles and cherries, and historically to whiten flour. A dietary aluminium source. EFSA has established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for aluminium of 1 mg/kg body weight. Exposure from this additive alone is within safe limits for most people; however, cumulative aluminium from multiple food and non-food sources should be monitored.
- Category
- Raising Agent / Firming Agent
- Typically used in
- Baking powder, pickles (firming agent), maraschino cherries, some confectionery
- Regulatory status
- Approved EU/USA/UK. EFSA aluminium TWI: 1 mg/kg bw/week. Monitor cumulative intake.
- Also listed as
- Potash Alum
- Concerns flagged
-
Accumulates in the bodyNeurotoxicity concern
Scrannr flags Potassium Aluminium Sulphate automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2008) — Safety of aluminium from dietary intake https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2008.754
Products containing Potassium Aluminium Sulphate
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