Aluminium Potassium Sulphate
Also known as: E522, Potassium alum, Potassium aluminium sulfate, potash alum
Aluminum potassium sulfate is GRAS under 21 CFR 182.1129 in the U.S. EFSA established a Tolerable Weekly Intake of 1 mg aluminum/kg body weight and warned that 'intakes of aluminium may exceed the TWI in a significant part of the European population' from cumulative aluminum-containing additive use.
What it is
Aluminium potassium sulphate (potash alum), an inorganic double salt of aluminum and potassium.
Firming agent in pickles, leavening acid in baking powders, color-stabilizer, and clarifier.
Why it's flagged
- Cumulative aluminum exposure may exceed EFSA TWI
- Potential neurotoxicity at high chronic intakes
What regulators actually say
"Scientists at Europe's food safety watchdog have assessed the safety of aluminium from all sources in food and established a Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of 1 milligram of aluminium per kilogram of body weight."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS — 21 CFR 182.1129.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted as E 522 with restrictions; aluminum TWI of 1 mg/kg bw/week applies cumulatively.
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