Stannous Chloride
Also known as: E512, Tin chloride, TinII chloride
Stannous chloride is permitted by FDA under 21 CFR 172.180 only as a color retention agent in asparagus packed in glass, with lids lined with inert material, at not more than 20 ppm calculated as tin. EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation concluded stannous chloride (E512) is of no safety concern at authorized use levels.
What it is
Stannous chloride (E512) is a tin(II) chloride compound used as a color retention agent and antioxidant.
Color retention agent; antioxidant.
Why it's flagged
- high tin intake can cause GI irritation
- use levels strictly limited
What regulators actually say
"The food additive stannous chloride may be safely used for color retention in asparagus packed in glass, with lids lined with an inert material, in an amount not to exceed 20 parts per million calculated as tin (Sn)."
"The Panel concluded that stannous chloride (E 512) is of no safety concern in this current authorised use and use levels."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as food additive under 21 CFR 172.180; not GRAS.
European Union — EFSA
Re-evaluated by EFSA (2018); no safety concern at authorized uses.
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