What is E508?
E508 is Potassium Chloride — a mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
What is E508 (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.
Where is E508 found?
E508 is typically used in baked goods, soft drinks, sweets, dairy products and processed foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E508) or by its full name, potassium chloride. Common foods that may contain E508 include:
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Dairy products and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E508 and how to spot it on labels →
E508 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Potassium Chloride safe?
Is E508 safe?
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
Is E508 vegan?
E508 is vegan. A mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E508 →Is E508 halal?
E508 is halal. A mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E508 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E508 in food?
E508 is Potassium Chloride — a mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
Is E508 safe to eat?
Yes. E508 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E508 vegan?
E508 is vegan. A mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E508 halal?
E508 is halal. A mineral salt mined or extracted from brine, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).