What is E579?
E579 is Ferrous Gluconate — an iron salt of gluconic acid, used in black olives, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
What is E579 (Ferrous Gluconate)?
E579 is the E-number for ferrous gluconate, one of the acidity regulators group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group control the acidity or alkalinity of food. An iron salt of gluconic acid, used in black olives. Like every E-number, E579 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 E579 in detail below.
Where is E579 found?
E579 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 (E579) or by its full name, ferrous gluconate. Common foods that may contain E579 include:
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Dairy products and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E579 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E579 safe?
E579 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 E579.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E579 vegan?
E579 is vegan. An iron salt of gluconic acid, used in black olives, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E579 →Is E579 halal?
E579 is halal. An iron salt of gluconic acid, used in black olives, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E579 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E579 in food?
E579 is Ferrous Gluconate — an iron salt of gluconic acid, used in black olives, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
Is E579 safe to eat?
Yes. E579 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E579 vegan?
E579 is vegan. An iron salt of gluconic acid, used in black olives, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E579 halal?
E579 is halal. An iron salt of gluconic acid, used in black olives, 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).