Ammonium carbonate

INS 503(i)CAS 8000-73-5

Listed as an acidity regulator by Canada, Codex and the US.

Listed as acidity regulators (CA, US, Codex) · raising agents (US, Codex)
Chemical structure of Ammonium carbonate, from PubChem compound 24660
Structure from PubChem CID 24660 (National Library of Medicine, public domain). A depiction of one compound: where a listing covers a family, or a substance has no single structure, this page shows none.

Ammonium carbonate is a raising agent, the baker's ammonia of old recipes. It works without acid and leaves no residue, so it is still used for thin, crisp biscuits — but only for those, because in a moist cake the ammonia cannot escape and the taste stays.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Ammonium carbonate by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
JurisdictionStatusScope and limitsCitation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New ZealandPermitted, with conditions

56 food categories

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

Show every food category
  • 0 Preparations of food additives — GMP
  • 1.1.1 Liquid milk (including buttermilk) — GMPOnly UHT goats milk.
  • 1.1.2 Liquid milk products and flavoured liquid milk — GMP
  • 1.2.2 Fermented milk products and rennetted milk products — GMP
  • 1.3 Condensed milk and evaporated milk — GMP
  • 1.4.1 Cream, reduced cream and light cream — GMPOnly UHT creams and creams receiving equivalent or greater heat treatments.
  • 1.4.2 Cream products (flavoured, whipped, thickened, sour cream etc) — GMP
  • 1.5 Dried milk, milk powder, cream powder — GMP
  • 1.6 Cheese and cheese products — GMP
  • 10.2 Liquid egg products — GMP
  • 10.3 Frozen egg products — GMP
  • 10.4 Dried or heat coagulated egg products — GMP
  • 11.1.1 Rainbow sugar — GMP
  • 11.3.1 Dried honey — GMP
  • 11.4 Tabletop sweeteners — GMP
  • 12.1.2 Reduced sodium salt mixture — GMP
  • 12.1.3 Salt substitute — GMP
  • 12.5 Yeast and yeast products — GMP
  • 12.6 Vegetable protein products — GMP
  • 13.2 Foods for infants — GMP
  • 13.3 Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods — GMP
  • 13.4 Formulated supplementary sports foods — GMP
  • 13.5 Food for special medical purposes — GMP
  • 14.1.1.2 Carbonated, mineralised and soda waters — GMP
  • 14.1.2.1 Fruit and vegetable juices — GMPFor juice separated by other than mechanical means only.
  • 14.1.2.2 Fruit and vegetable juice products — GMP
  • 14.1.3 Water based flavoured drinks — GMP
  • 14.1.4 Formulated Beverages — GMP
  • 14.1.5 Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbal infusions and similar products — GMP
  • 14.2.3 Wine based drinks and reduced alcohol wines — GMP
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine, vegetable wine and mead (including cider and perry) — GMP
  • 14.2.4.1 Fruit wine products and vegetable wine products — GMP
  • 14.2.5 Spirits and liqueurs — GMP
  • 14.3 Alcoholic beverages not included in item 14.2 — GMP
  • 2.1 Edible oils essentially free of water — GMP
  • 2.2.1.2 Butter products — GMP
  • 2.2.1.3 Margarine and similar products — GMP
  • 2.2.2 Oil emulsions (<80% oil) — GMP
  • 20 Foods not included in items 0 to 14 — GMP
  • 3 Ice cream and edible ices — GMP
  • 4.1.3 Fruits and vegetables that are peeled, cut, or both peeled and cut — GMP
  • 4.3 Processed fruits and vegetables — GMP
  • 5.1 Chocolate and cocoa products — GMP
  • 5.2 Sugar confectionery — GMP
  • 5.4 Icings and frostings — GMP
  • 6.3 Processed cereal and meal products — GMP
  • 6.4 Flour products (including noodles and pasta) — GMP
  • 7 Breads and bakery products — GMP
  • 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or pieces — GMP
  • 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2 — GMP
  • 8.3.2 Sausage and sausage meat containing raw, unprocessed meat — GMP
  • 8.4 Edible casings — GMP
  • 8.5 Animal protein products — GMP
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.3 Semi preserved fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.4 Fully preserved fish including canned fish products — GMP
Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 55 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth CanadaPermitted, with conditions

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

2 permitted uses

Show every permitted use
  • In: Cocoa products as defined in Volume 4 of the Food Compositional Standards Document. Purpose: Acidity regulator. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. If used singly, the amount of ammonium carbonate in neutralizing value, calculated from its weight, not to exceed the neutralizing value of 5% anhydrous potassium carbonate by weight of the cocoa product, calculated on a fat-free basis. If used in any combination with other acidity regulators, the total combined amount of these acidity regulators in neutralizing value, calculated from their respective weight, not to exceed the neutralizing value of 5% anhydrous potassium carbonate by weight of the cocoa product, calculated on a fat-free basis. This total combined amount does not include any of citric acid, phosphoric acid or tartaric acid that may be added up to their respective maximum levels of use set out in this list. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10), item A.5(a)
  • In: Unstandardized foods. Purpose: Acidity regulator. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10), item A.5(b)
Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10)and 1 further provisionretrieved 2026-10-17
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

72 food categories

highest permitted level 70,000 mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.10 Milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children* — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. quantum satis.
  • 1.3 unflavoured fermented milk products heat-treated after fermentation — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.6.3 other creams — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16Authorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except mozzarella.
  • 1.7.5 processed cheese — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML =10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid;E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressedas guanylic acid.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.9 Edible caseinates — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. quantum satis.
  • 10.2 processed eggs and egg products — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML =10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid;E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressedas guanylic acid.
  • 11.2 Other sugars and syrups — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.1.2 salt substitutes — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.3 Vinegars and diluted acetic acid (diluted with water to 4-30 % by volume) — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.4 Mustard — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.6 Sauces — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury-based sandwich spreads — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.8 Yeast and yeast products — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. quantum satis. only as rising agent.
  • 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juicesAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only vegetable juices.
  • 14.1.3 Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar productsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only vegetable nectars, E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured_drinksAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E 421, E 953, E 965, E 966 and E 967 may not be used E 968 may not be used except where specifically provided for in this food category.
  • 14.1.5.2 otherAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. excluding unflavoured leaf tea; including flavoured instant coffee; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used in drinks.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perryAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wineAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.5 MeadAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787Authorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except whisky or whiskey; E 420, E421, E 953, E 965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used except in liqueurs.
  • 14.2.7.1 Aromatised winesAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.7.2 Aromatised wine-based drinksAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktailsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 %Authorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E 965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 15.1 Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in category 1 3 and 4 — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 17.1 food supplements supplied in a solid form excluding food supplements for infants and young children’,Authorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 410, E 412, E 415, E 417 and E 425 may not be used to produce dehydrated food supplements intended to rehydrate on ingestion.
  • 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 18 Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17 — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 18.1 Processed foods not covered by categories 18.2 and 18.3, excluding foods for infants and young children — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 18.3 Food specially produced to reduce the gluten content of gluten-containing ingredients or substitute the gluten-containing ingredientsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. Including dry pasta.
  • 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 2.3 Vegetable oil pan spray — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 3 edible ices — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 4.2.1 dried fruit and vegetablesAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 410, E 412, E 415 and E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion.
  • 4.2.2 fruit and vegetables in vinegar oil or brine — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 4.2.5.4 nut butters and nut spreads — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 4.2.6 processed potato products — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/ECAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only energy-reduced or with no added sugars.
  • 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC — 70,000 mg/kgAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Carbonates. ML = 70000 mg/kg. E 170, E 500 - 504, E 524 - 528 and E 530: 7 % on dry matter, without fat, expressed as potassium carbonates.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweetsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. The substances listed under numbers E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403, E 404, E 406, E 407, 407a, E 410, E 412, E 413, E 414, E 415, E 417, E 418, E 425 and E 440 may not be used in jelly mini-cups, defined, for the purpose of this Regulation, as jelly confectionery of a firm consistence, contained in semi rigid mini-cups or mini-capsules, intended to be ingested in a single bite by exerting pressure on the mini-cups or mini-capsule to project the confectionery into the mouth; E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. E425 may not be used in jelly confectionery.
  • 5.3 chewing gum — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.2.2 starches — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.3 breakfast cereals — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.4.2 Dry pasta — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.4.4 Potato GnocchiAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except fresh refrigerated potato gnocchi.
  • 6.4.5 fillings of stuffed pasta (ravioli and similar) — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.5 Noodles — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.6 Batters — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.7 pre-cooked or processed cereals — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 7.1 Bread and rollsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except products in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat productsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except foie gras, foie gras entier, blocs de foie gras, Libamáj, libamáj egészben, libamáj tömbben.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — several limitsAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 9.3 fish roeAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only processed fish roe.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 71 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

70 food categories

highest permitted level 70,000 mg/kg or mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.3 Unflavoured fermented milk products, heat-treated after fermentation — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 1.6.3 Other creams — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except mozzarella.
  • 1.7.5 Processed cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 1.9 Edible caseinates — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. quantum satis.
  • 10.2 Processed eggs and egg products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 11.2 Other sugars and syrups — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.1.2 Salt substitutes — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.3 Vinegars and diluted acetic acid (diluted with water to 4-30 % by volume) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury based sandwich spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.8 Yeast and yeast products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children as defined by Commission Directive 2006/125/EC — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. quantum satis. only as rising agent.
  • 13.1.4 Other foods for young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. quantum satis.
  • 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 13.4 Foods suitable for people intolerant to gluten as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. including dry pasta.
  • 14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only vegetable juices.
  • 14.1.3 Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only vegetable nectars, E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E 421, E 953, E 965, E 966 and E 967 may not be used E 968 may not be used except where specifically provided for in this food category.
  • 14.1.5.2 Other — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. excluding unflavoured leaf tea; including flavoured instant coffee; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used in drinks.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except whisky or whiskey; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used except in liqueurs.
  • 14.2.7.1 Aromatised wines — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.7.2 Aromatised wine-based drinks — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 410, E 412, E 415, E 417 and E 425 may not be used to produce dehydrated food supplements intended to rehydrate on ingestion.
  • 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 18 Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17, excluding foods for infants and young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 2.3 Vegetable oil pan spray — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 3 Edible ices — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 4.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion.
  • 4.2.2 Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 4.2.5.4 Nut butters and nut spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 4.2.6 Processed potato products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar.
  • 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC — 70,000 mg/kg or mg/lAuthorised under E 500-504, Carbonates. ML = 70000. Note (*): E 170, E 500-504, E 524-528 and E 530: 7 % on dry matter, without fat, expressed as potassium carbonates (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. The substances listed under numbers E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403, E 404, E 406, E 407, 407a, E 410, E 412, E 413, E 414, E 415, E 417, E 418, E 425 and E 440 may not be used in jelly mini-cups, defined, for the purpose of this Regulation, as jelly confectionery of a firm consistence, contained in semi rigid mini-cups or mini-capsules, intended to be ingested in a single bite by exerting pressure on the mini-cups or mini-capsule to project the confectionery into the mouth; E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. E425 may not be used in jelly confectionery.
  • 5.3 Chewing gum — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 6.2.2 Starches — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 6.3 Breakfast cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 6.4.2 Dry pasta — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only gluten free and/or pasta intended for hypoproteic diets in accordance with Directive 2009/39/EC.
  • 6.4.4 Potato gnocchi — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except fresh refrigerated potato gnocchi.
  • 6.4.5 Fillings of stuffed pasta (ravioli and similar) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 6.6 Batters — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 6.7 Pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 7.1 Bread and rolls — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except products in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated meat products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except foie gras, foie gras entier, blocs de foie gras, Libamáj, libamáj egészben, libamáj tömbben.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis.
  • 9.3 Fish roe — quantum satisAuthorised under E 503, Ammonium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only processed fish roe.
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)and 69 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyPermitted, with conditions
Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 246, 炭酸アンモニウム (“Ammonium Carbonate” in the unofficial English translation). …

Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 246, 炭酸アンモニウム (“Ammonium Carbonate” in the unofficial English translation). Standards for use — Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc. (MHW Notification No. 370 of 1959), Part II (Food Additives), F (Standards for use): The Notification sets no standard for use (使用基準) for this additive, so it is not restricted there to particular foods or amounts. Compositional specifications for this additive, in the same Notification, are not imported and are not shown here; nor are the general rules in F 添加物一般, which apply to every additive.

Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act (MHW Ordinance No. 23 of 1948), Appended Table 1retrieved 2026-10-18
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyPermitted, with conditions
Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. …

Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 탄산암모늄 (“Ammonium Carbonate”, the English the Code prints beside it). Main use (주용도) of 탄산암모늄: 산도조절제, 팽창제. Standard for use (사용기준) of 탄산암모늄: (1) [to be used under the general standard for use in II. 2. 1), the minimum amount that achieves the technical effect, with no limit set for this additive in particular] “II. 2. 1)의 규정에 따라 사용하여야 한다.” The Korean is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the current Code (the English version on MFDS’s website is the 2020 edition and has no legal effect); the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications (Part IV) are not imported, nor are the general standards in Part II, which apply to every additive.

Standards and Specifications for Food Additives (식품첨가물의 기준 및 규격), MFDS Notification, Part III (Standards for use, by item)retrieved 2026-10-18
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationPermitted21 CFR 184.1137retrieved 2026-10-17
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFAPermitted, with conditions

3 food categories

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

Show every food category and its notes
  • 01.2.1.2 Fermented milks (plain), heat-treated after fermentation — GMP
    • Note 630 For use in products conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003) only, as an acidity regulator in flavoured fermented milks and flavoured drinks based on fermented milks that are not heat treated after fermentation, and in plain and flavoured milks and drinks based on fermented milks that are heat treated after fermentation.
  • 09.2.2 Frozen battered fish, fish fillets and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP
    • Note 41 For use in breading or batter coatings only.
  • 13.2 Complementary foods for infants and young children — GMP
    • Note 248 For use as a raising agent only.
    • Note XS73 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Baby Foods (CODEX STAN 73-1981).
CXS 192-1995 Table Three, INS 503(i)and 3 further provisionsretrieved 2026-09-07

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand—56 GMP
Canada—2 GMP
European Union70,000 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 46 several limits, 3 quantum satis, 22 no quantity stated
Great Britain70,000 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 69 quantum satis
Japan—1 no quantity stated
South Korea—1 no quantity stated
United States—1 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius—4 GMP

What it is made from

Produced by reacting ammonia with carbon dioxide. It decomposes on heating to ammonia, carbon dioxide and water, all of which leave a thin biscuit as gas.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number
8000-73-5
InChIKey
YNSUIDWLZCFLML-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem
CID 24660

The two specifications, compared

The European Union sets identity and purity by regulation; JECFA publishes its own through FAO, advisory until a country adopts it. Both documents are below in full. These are the parameters each puts a number on.

ParameterEuropean UnionJECFA
Assayno less than 30 %no less than 30 %
Leadno more than 2 mg/kgno more than 2 mg/kg
Arsenicno more than 3 mg/kg—
Mercuryno more than 1 mg/kg—

The two documents state the same figures for every parameter compared here.

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 503(i) Ammonium carbonate

Ammonium carbonate consists of ammonium carbamate, ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydrogen carbonate in varying proportions

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Einecs
233-786-0
Chemical name
Ammonium carbonate
Chemical formula
CH₆N₂O₂, CH₈N₂O₃ and CH₅NO₃
Molecular weight
Ammonium carbamate 78,06; ammonium carbonate 98,73; ammonium hydrogen carbonate 79,06
Assay
Content not less than 30,0 % and not more than 34,0 % of NH₃
Description
White powder or hard, white or translucent masses or crystals. Becomes opaque on exposure to air and is finally converted into white porous lumps or powder (of ammonium bicarbonate) due to loss of ammonia and carbon dioxide

Identification

Test for ammonium
Passes test
Test for carbonate
Passes test
pH
About 8,6 (5 % solution)
Solubility
Soluble in water

Purity criteria

Non-volatile matter
Not more than 500 mg/kg
Chlorides
Not more than 30 mg/kg
Sulphate
Not more than 30 mg/kg
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 2 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 503(i)

How JECFA defines it

The international specification for identity and purity, prepared by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and published by FAO. It is a different document from any above, written by a different body and revised on its own cycle; it is advisory, and a country adopts it or does not.

INS 503(i) Ammonium Carbonate

Consists of ammonium carbamate, ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydrogen carbonate in varying proportions

Synonyms: INS No. 503(i)

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history
Prepared at the 26th JECFA (1982), published in FNP 25 (1982) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th JECFA (2002) An ADI 'not specified' was established at the 26th JECFA (1982)
C.A.S. number
10361-29-2
Chemical formula
CH 6 N 2 O 2 , CH 8 N 2 O 3 CH 5 NO 3
Structural formula
NH 2 COONH 4
Formula weight
Ammonium carbamate 78.06 Ammonium carbonate 98.73 Ammonium hydrogen carbonate 79.06
Assay
Not less than 30.0% and not more than 34.0% of NH 3
DESCRIPTION
White powder or hard, white or translucent masses of crystals with an odour of ammonia. On exposure to air it becomes opaque and is finally converted into white porous lumps or powder (of ammonium bicarbonate) due to loss of ammonia and carbon dioxide.
FUNCTIONAL USES
Acidity regulator, raising agent
METHOD OF ASSAY
Place about 10 ml of water in a weighing bottle, tare the bottle and its contents, add about 2 g of the sample and weigh accurately. Transfer the contents of the bottle to a 250-ml flask and slowly add, with mixing, 50 ml of 1 N sulfuric acid. When solution has been effected, wash down the sides of the flask, add methyl orange TS, and titrate the excess acid with 1 N sodium hydroxide. Each ml of 1 N sulfuric acid is equivalent to 17.03 mg of NH 3 .

Identification

Solubility
Soluble in water
pH (Vol.4)
About 8.6 (1 in 20 solution)
Test for carbonate (Vol. 4)
Passes test
Test for ammonia (Vol. 4)
Passes test
Heat test
When heated, it volatilizes without charring and the vapour is alkaline to moist litmus

Purity criteria

Non-volatile residue (Vol. 4)
Not more than 500 mg/kg Test 4 g of the sample in 10 ml of water
Chlorides
Not more than 30 mg/kg Dissolve 500 mg of the sample in 10 ml of hot water, add about 5 mg of sodium carbonate, and evaporate to dryness on a steam bath. Test the residue as directed under the Limit Test. Any turbidity produced does not exceed that shown in a control containing 15 μg of chloride ion (Cl - ).
Sulfates
Not more than 50 mg/kg Dissolve 4 g of the sample in 40 ml of water, add about 10mg of sodium carbonate and 1 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide, and evaporate the solution to dryness on a steam bath. Treat the residue as directed under the Limit Test. Any turbidity produced does not exceed that shown in a control containing 200 μg of sulfate ion (SO 2- ).
Lead
Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using an atomic absorption technique appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4, “Instrumental Methods.”

FAO JECFA Monograph 1 (2006)

Every name it appears under

57 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

  • E503

INS number

  • 503(i)

CAS registry number

  • 8000-73-5

As it appears in regulation

  • Ammonium carbonate
  • Ammonium carbonates

Other names

  • Ammonium bicarbonate - ammonium carbamate
  • Ammonium bicarbonate-ammonium carbamate
  • Ammonium carbamate hydrogen carbonate (2/1/1)
  • Ammonium carbamate, mixt. with ammonium bicarbonate
  • Ammonium carbonate (NF)
  • Ammonium carbonate [NF]
  • Carbamic acid, monoammonium salt, mixt. with ammonium carbonate
  • Carbonic acid, ammonium salt (1:1), mixt. with ammonium carbamate (1:1)
  • Carbonic acid, monoammonium salt, mixt. with ammonium carbamate
  • diazanium;hydrogen carbonate;carbamate
  • Kohlensaures Ammonium Carbaminsaures Ammonium
  • UGAM

Hazard reference values

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
TypeValuePopulationAssessed byOpinion
ADInot specified—JECFA1982

Evidence and how bodies read it

Studies, and the differing conclusions regulators drew from them, are curated rather than machine-read, and none has been written for this substance yet.

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is INS 503(i)?
INS 503(i) is Ammonium carbonate. Ammonium carbonate is a raising agent, the baker's ammonia of old recipes. It works without acid and leaves no residue, so it is still used for thin, crisp biscuits — but only for those, because in a moist cake the ammonia cannot escape and the taste stays.
What is Ammonium carbonate used for in food?
It is listed as an acidity regulator — the role Canada, Codex and the US assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Ammonium carbonate permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the EU, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, the US and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Ammonium carbonate vegan?
Yes. Ammonium carbonate is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • anz retrieved 2026-10-17
  • ca retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jp retrieved 2026-10-18
  • kr retrieved 2026-10-18
  • ecfr retrieved 2026-10-17
  • gsfa retrieved 2026-09-07
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jecfaspecs retrieved 2026-09-23

Full licence terms and publisher details on Sources. How this page is built and updated: Method.

Machine-readable: a JSON record of this additive is given on request —how to ask for access.

Follow changes to Ammonium carbonate:Atom feed — regulatory events, and any change the weekly refresh detects in its provisions.