Is Bicarbonate Of Soda Safe?
Bicarbonate Of Soda is the additive E500 — bicarbonate of soda — the raising agent in your baking cupboard. Completely safe, vegan and halal.
Is Bicarbonate Of Soda safe to eat?
E500 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E500.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Bicarbonate Of Soda?
E500 is the E-number for sodium carbonates, one of the raising agents group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group make doughs and batters rise by releasing gas. Mineral salts produced industrially. E500 sounds like a chemical to avoid, but E500(ii) is simply bicarbonate of soda — the same white powder sold for home baking. Like every E-number, E500 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E500 in detail below.
What foods contain Bicarbonate Of Soda?
E500 (Bicarbonate Of Soda) is typically found in:
- Self-raising flour
- Cakes and biscuits
- Honeycomb
- Bread
- Effervescent drinks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bicarbonate Of Soda bad for you?
Yes. E500 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Bicarbonate Of Soda vegan?
E500 is vegan. Mineral salts produced industrially, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Bicarbonate Of Soda halal?
E500 is halal. Mineral salts produced industrially, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E500 (Sodium Carbonates) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).