Potassium Ferrocyanide
Also known as: E536, Yellow prussiate of potash
Despite the 'cyanide' in the name, the iron-cyanide complex is extremely stable and does not release free cyanide under normal conditions. EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation established a group ADI of 0.03 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion) and concluded current uses are not of safety concern.
What it is
Potassium ferrocyanide (E536): anticaking agent for table salt; metal complex of cyanide ion with iron.
Anticaking agent in table salt; clarifying agent in wine.
Why it's flagged
- regulated ADI
What regulators actually say
"Potassium ferrocyanide may be safely used in food in accordance with the following prescribed conditions... as an anticaking agent in salt for human food use, in an amount not in excess of 13 parts per million."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as anticaking in salt under 21 CFR 172.490 at <=13 ppm.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; group ADI 0.03 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2018).
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