Sodium Salicylate
Sodium salicylate is pharmacologically active and shares aspirin's salicylate toxicity profile. The acutely toxic dose is greater than 150 mg/kg body weight.
What it is
The sodium salt of salicylic acid; a salicylate compound related to aspirin used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and as a flavoring/preservative ingredient.
Used historically as a food preservative and flavor adjunct; primarily a pharmaceutical analgesic today.
Why it's flagged
- Reye syndrome risk in children
- salicylate toxicity at high doses
- GI bleeding
- drug interactions
What regulators actually say
"The acutely toxic dose of aspirin is generally considered greater than 150 mg per kg of body mass, moderate toxicity occurs at doses up to 300 mg/kg, severe toxicity occurs between 300 and 500 mg/kg, and a potentially lethal dose is greater than 500 mg/kg."
"Aspirin and sodium salicylate are the two most commonly used preparations of salicylate for systemic effects."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
FDA-regulated as a drug ingredient; not affirmed GRAS for general food use.
European Union — EFSA
Not approved as a food additive in the EU; pharmaceutical use only.
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