metatartaric acid
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | metatartaric acid |
| English name | metatartaric acid |
| INS/E number | INS 353 |
| Functional class | Food acid, Emulsifier |
| Year adopted | 1969 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
Metatartaric acid is an acidic polymer obtained by heating and dehydrating tartaric acid; it is water-soluble. It is used mainly as a tartrate-stabilising agent in wine to prevent crystallisation of tartrates.
Source
Industrial：酒石酸加热脱水、聚合得到偏酒石酸
Why is it used?
- Prevents tartrate crystal precipitation in wine
- Stabilises wine appearance and quality
- Improves post-bottling storage stability
- Used specifically in wine processing
Common Foods
- Wine
- Sparkling wine
- Fruit wine
- Liqueurs
- Low-alcohol drinks
- Winemaking base
Safety
ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：not limited
Concerns：
- 仅限葡萄酒等特定用途
- 按规定限量使用
Usage Standard
China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》
International：
- EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex II (E 353)
- Codex GSFA (INS 353)
- FSANZ Food Standards Code (353)
In a nutshell
Metatartaric acid is a wine-specific tartrate stabiliser, safe without a numerical ADI, preventing crystals.
Consumer Advice
Metatartaric acid is a processed form of tartaric acid used as an acidity regulator and stabilizer, mainly in wine and fruit wines to prevent tartrate crystals from forming and keep the drink clear. It is not a nutrient, and international bodies and most regulators consider it safe at typical use levels. Only tiny amounts are used, so there is little for consumers to worry about.
Dietary Restrictions
- Vegan: ✅
- Halal: ✅
- Kosher: ✅
Allergens
✅ Free from common allergens
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.