What is E524?
E524 is Sodium Hydroxide — a mineral alkali produced industrially, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
What is E524 (Sodium Hydroxide)?
E524 is the E-number for sodium hydroxide, one of the acidity regulators group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group control the acidity or alkalinity of food. A mineral alkali produced industrially. Like every E-number, E524 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 E524 in detail below.
Where is E524 found?
E524 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 (E524) or by its full name, sodium hydroxide. Common foods that may contain E524 include:
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Dairy products and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E524 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E524 safe?
E524 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 E524.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E524 vegan?
E524 is vegan. A mineral alkali produced industrially, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E524 →Is E524 halal?
E524 is halal. A mineral alkali produced industrially, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E524 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E524 in food?
E524 is Sodium Hydroxide — a mineral alkali produced industrially, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
Is E524 safe to eat?
Yes. E524 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E524 vegan?
E524 is vegan. A mineral alkali produced industrially, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E524 halal?
E524 is halal. A mineral alkali produced industrially, 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).