Is Potassium Chloride Safe?
Potassium Chloride is the additive E508 — a mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
Is Potassium Chloride safe to eat?
E508 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 E508.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Potassium Chloride?
E508 is the E-number for potassium chloride, one of the acidity regulators group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group control the acidity or alkalinity of food. A mineral salt mined or extracted from brine. Like every E-number, E508 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 E508 in detail below.
What foods contain Potassium Chloride?
E508 (Potassium Chloride) is typically found in:
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Dairy products and processed foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Potassium Chloride bad for you?
Yes. E508 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Potassium Chloride vegan?
E508 is vegan. A mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Potassium Chloride halal?
E508 is halal. A mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E508 (Potassium Chloride) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).