Foods Containing E512 (Stannous Chloride)
E512 (Stannous Chloride) is a synthetic tin salt used in canned foods, used as a antioxidant to help stop fats and oils turning rancid and protect food colour and flavour. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E512
E512 is used across oils, margarine, snacks, cured meats, soft drinks and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Oils
- Margarine
- Snacks
- Cured meats
- Soft drinks and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E512 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E512" or as "Stannous Chloride".
How to spot E512 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "antioxidants: E512" or "antioxidants: stannous chloride". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Stannous Chloride" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E512?
E512 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E512 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E512: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).