niacin (nicotinic acid), nicotinamide (vitamin B3)
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 烟酸(烟碱酸)、烟酰胺(维生素B3)(deepl翻译) |
| English name | niacin (nicotinic acid), nicotinamide (vitamin B3) |
| INS/E number | INS 375 |
| Functional class | Colour retention agent |
| Year adopted | To be added. |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ) |
What is it?
niacin (nicotinic acid), nicotinamide (vitamin B3) (INS 375) is a Colour retention agent food additive. Used to fix the red colour of meat products, often with curing agents.
Source
Natural：E.g. nitrites, nitrates and their derivatives.
Industrial：Purified.
Why is it used?
- Fix meat red colour
- Inhibit Clostridium botulinum
- Form cured flavour
Common Foods
- Ham
- Sausage
- Bacon and other cured meats
Safety
Safe under strict limits; overuse risks nitrosamine formation and is tightly regulated.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
niacin (nicotinic acid), nicotinamide (vitamin B3) is a Colour retention agent, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
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.