Monopotassium Tartrate
Also known as: E336i, monopotassic tartrate, Potassium bitartrate, potassium hydrogen tartrate, cream of tartar
EFSA's 2020 re-evaluation found no safety concerns at current use levels but flagged purity-specification gaps (heavy-metal limits) and the need for stricter L(+) stereoisomer specifications. ADI of 240 mg/kg bw/day (group ADI for tartrates).
What it is
Monopotassium tartrate (E 336(i)), the potassium salt of L(+)-tartaric acid; a crystalline acid salt.
Acidity regulator, stabilizer, sequestrant, and leavening agent (in baking powders).
Why it's flagged
- EFSA flagged heavy-metal impurity limits in current EU specifications
What regulators actually say
"Re-evaluation of l(+)-tartaric acid (E 334), sodium tartrates (E 335), potassium tartrates (E 336), potassium sodium tartrate (E 337) and calcium tartrate (E 354) as food additives."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as potassium acid tartrate / cream of tartar (21 CFR 184.1077, 184.1077 / 184.1077).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E 336(i); group ADI 240 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2020 re-evaluation).
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