Ammonium Chloride
Also known as: E510, ammonia solution
Ammonium chloride is permitted as a food additive in the US and EU, but EFSA's 2023 re-evaluation maintained an ADI for ammonium salts and noted concerns at high intakes. High consumption (e.g., from heavy salmiakki use) can cause GI upset, metabolic acidosis, and, in case reports, blood pressure and electrolyte effects.
What it is
Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), an inorganic salt.
Yeast nutrient, dough strengthener, flavoring (in salt licorice/salmiakki).
Why it's flagged
- GI effects at high intake
- electrolyte/acid-base effects in heavy consumption
What regulators actually say
"Ammonium chloride... is generally recognized as safe."
"EFSA Panel re-evaluation of ammonium hydroxide (E 527) and other ammonium salts as food additives."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS per 21 CFR 184.1138 (ammonium chloride)
European Union — EFSA
Authorized food additive E510 in EU; re-evaluated by EFSA
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app