What Is Behind The Code E527 On The Food Label?
Author: Joe Fowler
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
E527 falls into the category of dangerous food additives, but is not prohibited.
E527 is one of the most common indications on food labels in the store. It refers to ammonium hydroxide - a substance without a characteristic color, but with a very recognizable odor of ammonia, which is released when it decomposes in the free state.
In the food industry, ammonium hydroxide is used as an emulsifier and acidity regulator . This is also the reason why the code used in the food industry starts with "E" and the first digit 5 - this is the way all acidity regulators are denoted.
The action of E527 is ensured precisely by the ammonia released during its decomposition . It has a strong alkalizing effect and very successfully neutralizes the acidity of the products in which it is used. In some cases, E527 can also be used as a preservative to kill any dangerous microorganisms in the process of producing certain foods.
Ammonium hydroxide falls into the group of potentially dangerous food additives. In the free state, it poses a health hazard. This is why E527 is banned for use in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The reason for its ban there is evidence that foods containing E527 can trigger allergic reactions or cause stomach discomfort after consumption.
However, in most countries of the European Union, as in the United States, ammonium hydroxide is used freely. Its use is ensured by good regulation and by the fact that its use for the purposes of the food industry takes place in very low concentrations and in highly diluted form.
Most often, the presence of E527 can be found on the labels of foods containing caramel , egg or cocoa products . Mainly used in foods that undergo heat treatment , especially baking, because it can occur and the effect of raising agent in the release of ammonia gas.
Although the use of E527 is allowed in many parts of the world, foods that contain it are better avoided. This is the conclusion of experts in healthy eating.
This recommendation applies to any food supplement marked with an E and a numeric code that is banned for use in a country around the world for one reason or another. These can be preservatives, leavening agents, acidity regulators, colorants and others.
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