potassium chloride
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 氯化钾 |
| English name | potassium chloride |
| INS/E number | INS 508 |
| Functional class | Firming agent, Flavour enhancer, Stabilizer, Thickener |
| Year adopted | 1999 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
potassium chloride (INS 508) is a Firming agent, Flavour enhancer, Stabilizer, Thickener food additive. Used to maintain or enhance the firmness and crispness of fruits, vegetables and canned foods.Used to enhance the existing flavour of foods, not necessarily having a strong taste itself.Used to keep the physical state of foods stable, preventing separation, sedimentation or syneresis.Used to increase viscosity and improve mouthfeel and body.
Source
Natural：Commonly calcium salts (e.g. calcium chloride, calcium lactate).E.g. monosodium glutamate (MSG), ribonucleotides, hydrolysed vegetable protein.Mostly natural gums, proteins or polysaccharides (e.g. gelatin, pectin, locust bean gum).Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins (e.g. pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, starch).
Industrial：Also includes some aluminium salts (e.g. potassium aluminium sulphate).Produced by fermentation or synthesis.Some are physically or chemically modified (e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose, modified starches).Some are modified for performance (e.g. hydroxypropyl starch, CMC).
Why is it used?
- Enhance firmness
- Keep produce crisp
- Improve canned-food quality
- Enhance umami
- Improve overall flavour
- Reduce salt use
- Maintain homogeneity
- Prevent syneresis and sedimentation
- Improve texture and water retention
- Increase viscosity
- Improve body and mouthfeel
- Stabilise suspensions
Common Foods
- Canned fruits/vegetables
- Soy products
- Jam
- Pickled foods
- Seasonings
- Soups
- Convenience foods
- Snacks
- Sauces
- Yoghurt
- Beverages
- Jelly
- Ice cream
Safety
Safe within permitted use; aluminium salts have scope restrictions.MSG etc. evaluated as safe by JECFA/FDA/EFSA; a small sensitive subset may have transient discomfort with large intake.Most act as dietary fibre or inert colloids and are safe within permitted use.Mostly indigestible polysaccharides, safe within permitted use; some act as dietary fibre.
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
potassium chloride is a Firming agent, Flavour enhancer, Stabilizer, Thickener, 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.