Food Additives Encyclopedia

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sodium hydroxide ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese namesodium hydroxide
English namesodium hydroxide
INS/E numberINS 524
Functional classAcidity regulator
Year adopted1965
Approved byEuropean Union (EFSA)

What is it? ​

Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is a strong inorganic base used mainly as a processing aid and acidity regulator in the food industry. It adjusts pH, loosens olive skins, processes cocoa and modifies starch.

Source ​

Industrial：由食盐水电解（氯碱法）制得氢氧化钠

Why is it used? ​

  • Acts as an acidity regulator adjusting pH
  • Used to loosen skins in olive processing
  • Adjusts pH in cocoa and chocolate processing
  • Used in starch modification and food-process water treatment

Common Foods ​

  • Table olives
  • Cocoa and chocolate
  • Glucose syrups
  • Flour product processing
  • Food-process water

Safety ​

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：Not applicable (evaluated, no limit set)

Concerns：

  • 作为加工助剂需符合残留与纯度要求
  • 强腐蚀性，操作时需防护

Usage Standard ​

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》（加工助剂）

International：

  • EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex II (E 524)
  • FDA 21 CFR 184.1763 (sodium hydroxide, GRASS)
  • Codex GSFA (INS 524)
  • FSANZ Food Standards Code (524)

In a nutshell ​

Sodium hydroxide is used chiefly as a processing aid and acidity regulator for peeling, cocoa processing and pH control.

Consumer Advice ​

Food-grade sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is used in food processing as an acidity regulator and processing aid, for example peeling fruit and vegetables, curing olives, making lye noodles and processing cocoa beans. It is neutralised during processing, leaving negligible residues. Although the pure chemical is corrosive, food-grade use is tightly regulated, and consumers never encounter it in corrosive form in finished food.

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.