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Acidity regulatorINS 500
E500
Sodium carbonates
What you need to know
Sodium carbonates include baking soda. In noodles they create the springy “alkaline noodle” texture; in baking they are a raising agent.
They are among the oldest and lowest-concern additives.
The only consideration is that they add a little sodium.
Where it stands, by region
The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.
| 🇦🇺AU / NZ | Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code). |
| 🇪🇺EU | Approved Permitted (EFSA). |
| 🇺🇸US | Approved Permitted (FDA). |
| 🇨🇦CA | Approved Permitted (Health Canada). |
Health evidence
How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.
Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown
Sodium carbonate and bicarbonate. JECFA ADI 'not specified'.
Synthesis: Synthetic (mineral)ADI Not specified (acceptable)