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Acidity regulatorINS 501
E501
Potassium carbonates
What you need to know
Potassium carbonates are alkaline salts used with sodium carbonates to give ramen-style noodles their texture and colour.
They are considered very low concern.
They contribute a small amount of potassium to the diet.
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
Potassium carbonate and bicarbonate. JECFA ADI 'not specified'.
Synthesis: Synthetic (mineral)ADI Not specified (acceptable)