Potassium Tartrates
Also known as: E336
Potassium tartrates have a long history of safe food use. EFSA re-evaluated tartaric acid and salts and confirmed an ADI.
What it is
Potassium tartrates — includes monopotassium tartrate (cream of tartar, E336(i)) and dipotassium tartrate (E336(ii)). Salts of tartaric acid.
Acidity regulator, stabilizer, leavening agent (cream of tartar in baking powder).
Why it's flagged
- adds potassium — caution in chronic kidney disease at very high intakes
What regulators actually say
"Potassium acid tartrate ... is generally recognized as safe ... when used as an anticaking agent ... leavening agent ... pH control agent ... in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice."
"EFSA Panel established a group ADI for L(+)-tartaric acid (E 334) and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E 335, E 336, E 337, E 354) of 240 mg/kg bw per day."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (21 CFR 184.1077) — potassium acid tartrate.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; ADI 240 mg/kg bw expressed as L(+)-tartaric acid.
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