Additives
Copper(II) Sulphate (E519): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Limited risk
Mineral Salt / Stabiliser
Copper sulphate (CuSO4) authorised in strictly limited quantities. Copper is an essential trace mineral required for enzyme function, iron metabolism, and connective tissue formation. At permitted food-additive levels, exposure is negligible. However, at higher doses copper sulphate is toxic, causing nausea, vomiting, hepatic damage, and haemolytic anaemia. Use is tightly restricted and regulated.
- Category
- Mineral Salt / Stabiliser
- Typically used in
- Trace use in processing of some preserved vegetables, certain mineral supplements, water treatment
- Regulatory status
- Approved EU/USA/UK in strictly limited quantities only. Essential at trace levels; toxic in excess.
- Concerns flagged
-
Digestive upsetLiver effects
Sources
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2015) — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of copper -II- sulphate -E 519- as a food additive https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4098
Products
Products containing Copper(II) Sulphate
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