Carbonates
Also known as: E502
Sodium, potassium, ammonium, and magnesium carbonates are permitted food additives in both the US and EU with no numerical ADI ('not specified') in EFSA evaluations. As an umbrella label, the specific salt is unclear.
What it is
E502 is not a single defined additive; the standard EU codes 500-504 cover sodium/potassium/ammonium/magnesium carbonates as a class. As listed it is treated as a generic 'carbonates' label.
Acidity regulator/raising agent (depending on specific salt).
Why it's flagged
- Sodium contribution if sodium carbonate; otherwise low
What regulators actually say
"Sodium carbonate... is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."
"The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for sodium carbonates (E 500), potassium carbonates (E 501), ammonium carbonates (E 503), and magnesium carbonates (E 504) at the reported uses and use levels."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sodium carbonate (21 CFR 184.1742), potassium carbonate (184.1619), ammonium bicarbonate (184.1135) and others are GRAS
European Union — EFSA
Carbonates of sodium/potassium/ammonium/calcium permitted under EU 1333/2008 with ADI 'not specified'
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