Sulphuric Acid
Also known as: E513, Oil of vitriol, sulfuric acid, H2SO4
Sulfuric acid is FDA GRAS as a direct food substance with strict use-level limits (e.g., 0.014% in alcoholic beverages, 0.0003% in cheese) and is used only in trace amounts as a processing aid. EFSA also considers it acceptable as a food additive (E513).
What it is
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a strong mineral acid used in trace amounts as a food processing aid and pH control agent.
PH control agent, processing aid, and acidulant; neutralized during processing.
Why it's flagged
- corrosive to handlers in concentrated form (occupational, not consumer)
What regulators actually say
"Sulfuric acid (H2SO4, CAS Reg. No. 7664-93-9) ... is used as a pH control agent and processing aid ... up to 0.014 percent in alcoholic beverages and 0.0003 percent in cheeses."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as direct food substance under 21 CFR 184.1095 with use-level limits
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E513 in EU under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008
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