Aluminium Ammonium Sulphate
Also known as: E523, ammonium aluminium sulfate
Aluminium ammonium sulphate (E523) contributes dietary aluminium, which EFSA established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg Al/kg bw/week due to neurodevelopmental and reproductive concerns; high-intake consumers can exceed this. EFSA recommended re-evaluation; some aluminium-containing additives have been restricted in the EU.
What it is
Aluminium ammonium sulphate (ammonium alum), an inorganic salt used as a firming agent and acidity regulator.
Firming agent and acidity regulator, mainly in egg-white preparations and pickles.
Why it's flagged
- dietary aluminium contribution
- potential neurotoxicity at high cumulative intake
What regulators actually say
"EFSA established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for aluminium of 1 mg/kg body weight per week."
"Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 amends Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as regards the conditions of use and the use levels for aluminium-containing food additives."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as food additive under 21 CFR 182.1127 (GRAS for use in egg-white preparations).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E523 in EU under Regulation (EC) 1333/2008; aluminium intake restrictions under Regulation (EU) 380/2012.
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