What is Potassium 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 Potassium 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 Potassium carbonate vegan?

Yes. Potassium carbonate is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Potassium carbonate

Q: What is E 501?

E 501 is Potassium carbonate. Potassium carbonate is an alkaline acidity regulator used in cocoa processing, noodle making and some traditional baked goods.

E number E501INS 501(i)CAS 584-08-7

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

Listed as acidity regulators (CA, US, Codex) · raising agents (US) · stabilisers (Codex) · nutrient supplements (US) · flavouring agents and adjuvants (US) · processing aids (US)

Canada: Acidity regulator — Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10)
United States: pH control agent — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POTASSIUM CARBONATE
United States: pH control agents — 21 CFR 184.1619, citing 21 CFR 170.3(o)(23)
Codex Alimentarius: Acidity regulator — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 501(i)
United States: Leavening agent — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Codex Alimentarius: Stabilizer — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 501(i)
United States: Nutrient supplement — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POTASSIUM CARBONATE
United States: Nutrient supplements — 21 CFR 184.1619, citing 21 CFR 170.3(o)(20)
United States: Flavoring agent or adjuvant — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POTASSIUM CARBONATE
United States: Flavoring agents and adjuvants — 21 CFR 184.1619, citing 21 CFR 170.3(o)(12)
United States: Processing aid — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POTASSIUM CARBONATE
United States: Processing aids — 21 CFR 184.1619, citing 21 CFR 170.3(o)(24)

Structure from PubChem CID 11430 (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.

Potassium carbonate is an alkaline acidity regulator used in cocoa processing, noodle making and some traditional baked goods.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Potassium carbonate by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
Jurisdiction	Status	Scope and limits	Citation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New Zealand	Permitted, with conditions	58 food categories highest permitted level 2,000 mg/L 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 13.1 Infant formula products — 2,000 mg/LApplies in Australia; New Zealand has not adopted Standard 2.9.1 (infant formula products) and applies its own infant formula standard. 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 14.2.2 Wine, sparkling wine and fortified wine — 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 57 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth Canada	Permitted, with conditions	no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice) 6 permitted uses Show every permitted use In: Blend of prepared fish and prepared meat as set out in paragraph 18.1.3(g) of the Food Compositional Standards Document. Purpose: Acidity regulator. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0122. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10), item P.5(a) In: Calorie-reduced margarine; Margarine. Purpose: Acidity regulator. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10), item P.5(b) 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 potassium 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 P.5(c) In: Cold-pack (naming the variety) cheese; Cold-pack cheese food; Cold-pack cheese food with (naming the added ingredients); Cold-pack (naming the variety) cheese with (naming the added ingredients); Cream cheese spread; Cream cheese spread with (naming the added ingredients); Processed (naming the variety) cheese; Processed cheese food; Processed cheese food with (naming the added ingredients); Processed cheese spread; Processed cheese spread with (naming the added ingredients); Processed (naming the variety) cheese with (naming the added ingredients); (Naming the variety) whey cheese. Purpose: Acidity regulator. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10), item P.5(d) In: Fruit wine; Wine. Purpose: Acidity regulator. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10), item P.5(e) In: Unstandardized foods. Purpose: Acidity regulator. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10), item P.5(f)	Health Canada, List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials (List 10)and 5 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSA	Permitted, with conditions	78 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 501, Potassium carbonate. quantum satis. 1.3 unflavoured fermented milk products heat-treated after fermentation — several limitsAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except mozzarella. 1.7.5 processed cheese — several limitsAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. quantum satis. 10.2 processed eggs and egg products — several limitsAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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. 11.4.1 table-top sweeteners in liquid form — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. quantum satis. 11.4.2 table-top sweeteners in powder form — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. quantum satis. 11.4.3 table-top sweeteners in tablets — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. quantum satis. 12.1.2 salt substitutes — several limitsAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. quantum satis. only as rising agent. 13.1.5.1 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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. 4.1.2 peeled cut and shredded fruit and vegetables — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. quantum satis. only prepacked refrigerated unprocessed fruit and vegetables ready for consumption and prepacked unprocessed and peeled potatoes. 4.2.1 dried fruit and vegetablesAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. 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. 9.1.2 Unprocessed molluscs and crustaceans — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. quantum satis. only frozen and deep-frozen cephalopods’. Note 95: may not be used in combination with Phosphoric acid — phosphates — di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338-452)’. 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — several limitsAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonate. 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 501, Potassium carbonate. Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only processed fish roe.	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 77 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards Scotland	Permitted, with conditions	75 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.6.3 Other creams — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except mozzarella. 1.7.5 Processed cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.9 Edible caseinates — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. quantum satis. 10.2 Processed eggs and egg products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 11.2 Other sugars and syrups — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 11.4.1 Table-top sweeteners in liquid form — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. quantum satis. 11.4.2 Table-top sweeteners in powder form — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. quantum satis. 11.4.3 Table-top sweeteners in tablets — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. quantum satis. 12.1.2 Salt substitutes — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.7 Salads and savoury based sandwich spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.8 Yeast and yeast products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. quantum satis. only as rising agent. 13.1.4 Other foods for young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. quantum satis. 13.1.5.1 Dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. quantum satis. only as rising agent. 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 2.3 Vegetable oil pan spray — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 3 Edible ices — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 4.1.2 Peeled, cut and shredded fruit and vegetables — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. quantum satis. only prepacked refrigerated unprocessed fruit and vegetables ready for consumption and prepacked unprocessed and peeled potatoes. 4.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 4.2.5.4 Nut butters and nut spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 4.2.6 Processed potato products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.2.2 Starches — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.3 Breakfast cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.4.2 Dry pasta — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.6 Batters — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.7 Pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 7.1 Bread and rolls — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated meat products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium 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 501, Potassium carbonates. Permitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 9.3 Fish roe — quantum satisAuthorised under E 501, Potassium 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 74 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs Agency	Permitted, with conditions	Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 247, 炭酸カリウム（無水） (“Potassium Carbonate (anhydrous)” in the unofficial English translation). … Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 247, 炭酸カリウム（無水） (“Potassium Carbonate (anhydrous)” 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 Safety	Permitted, 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), 탄산칼륨(무수) (“Potassium Carbonate, Anhydrous”, the English the Code prints beside it); the Code marks it as also usable as a nutrient fortifier; 3. 영양강화제 (nutrient fortifiers), 탄산칼륨(무수); nutrient: 칼륨(K); the Code marks it as also usable as a general food additive. Main use (주용도) of 탄산칼륨(무수): 산도조절제, 팽창제. Standard for use (사용기준) of 탄산칼륨(무수): (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 Administration	Permitted		21 CFR 184.1619retrieved 2026-10-17
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFA	Permitted, with conditions	16 food categories highest permitted level 11,000 mg/kg Show every food category and its notes 01.1.2 Other Fluid Milk (plain) — GMP Note 407 Excluding all fluid milks that are not mineral or vitamin fortified. 01.2.1.2 Fermented milks (plain), heat-treated after fermentation — GMP Note 234 For use as a stabilizer or thickener only. Note 631 Except for use in plain fermented milks and drinks based on fermented milks that are heat treated after fermentation conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003) as an acidity regulator. 01.4.1 Pasteurized cream (plain) — GMP Note XS288 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cream and Prepared Creams (CXS 288-1976) 01.4.2 Sterilized and UHT creams, whipping and whipped creams, and reduced fat creams (plain) — GMP 01.8.2 Dried whey and whey products, excluding whey cheeses — GMP Note XS331 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dairy Permeate Powders (CXS 331-2017). 04.2.2.7 Fermented vegetable (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera) and seaweed products, excluding fermented soybean products of food categories 06.8.6, 06.8.7, 12.9.1, — GMP Note XS294 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Gochujang (CXS 294-2009). 06.4.1 Fresh pastas and noodles and like products — 11,000 mg/kg 06.4.2 Dried pastas and noodles and like products — GMP Note 256 For use in noodles, gluten-free pasta and pasta intended for hypoproteic diets only. 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. 09.2.3 Frozen minced and creamed fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP 09.2.4 Cooked and/or fried fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP 09.2.5 Smoked, dried, fermented, and/or salted fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP Note 230 For use as an acidity regulator only. Note XS167 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Fish and Dried Salted Fish of the Gadidae Family of Fishes (CODEX STAN 167-1989). Note XS189 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Shark Fins (CODEX STAN 189-1993). Note XS222 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Crackers from Marine and Freshwater Fish, Crustaceans and Molluscan Shellfish (CODEX STAN 222-2001). Note XS236 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Boiled Dried Salted Anchovies (CODEX STAN 236-2003). Note XS244 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring and Salted Sprat (CODEX STAN 244-2004). Note XS311 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoked-flavoured Fish and Smoke-dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311-2013). 13.1.1 Infant formulae — 2,000 mg/kg Note 55 Within the limits for sodium, calcium, and potassium specified in the Standard for Infant Formula and Formulas for Special Medical Purposes Intended for Infants (CXS 72-1981): singly or in combination with other sodium, calcium, and/or potassium salts. Note 551 Maximum use level is expressed as mg additive/L of food. 13.1.2 Follow-up formulae — GMP Note 551 Maximum use level is expressed as mg additive/L of food. 13.1.3 Formulae for special medical purposes for infants — 2,000 mg/kg Note 55 Within the limits for sodium, calcium, and potassium specified in the Standard for Infant Formula and Formulas for Special Medical Purposes Intended for Infants (CXS 72-1981): singly or in combination with other sodium, calcium, and/or potassium salts. Note 551 Maximum use level is expressed as mg additive/L of food. 14.1.5 Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbal infusions, and other hot cereal and grain beverages, excluding cocoa — GMP Note 160 For use in ready-to-drink products and pre-mixes for ready-to-drink products only.	CXS 192-1995 Table Three, INS 501(i)and 16 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	2,000 mg/kg	1 numeric limit, 57 GMP
Canada	—	6 GMP
European Union	70,000 mg/kg	1 numeric limit, 46 several limits, 9 quantum satis, 22 no quantity stated
Great Britain	70,000 mg/kg	1 numeric limit, 74 quantum satis
Japan	—	1 no quantity stated
South Korea	—	1 no quantity stated
United States	—	1 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius	2,000 mg/kg – 11,000 mg/kg	3 numeric limit, 14 GMP

What it is made from

Manufactured by reacting potassium hydroxide with carbon dioxide. Historically it was obtained by leaching wood ash, which is the origin of the word potash.

Vegan
Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number: 584-08-7
InChIKey: BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L
PubChem: CID 11430

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.

Parameter	European Union	JECFA
Assay	no less than 99 %	no less than 99 %
Loss on drying	no more than 5 %	no more than 5 %
Lead	no more than 2 mg/kg	no more than 2 mg/kg
Arsenic	no more than 3 mg/kg	—
Mercury	no 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 501(i) Potassium carbonate

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Einecs: 209-529-3
Chemical name: Potassium carbonate
Chemical formula: K₂CO₃ · nH₂O (n = 0 or 1,5)
Molecular weight: 138,21 (anhydrous)
Assay: Content not less than 99,0 % on the anhydrous basis
Description: White, very deliquescent powder. The hydrate occurs as small, white, translucent crystals or granules

Identification

Test for potassium: Passes test
Test for carbonate: Passes test
Solubility: Very soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol

Purity criteria

Loss on drying: Not more than 5 % (anhydrous) or 18 % (hydrate) (180 °C, 4 hours)
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 501(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 501(i) Potassium Carbonate

Synonyms: INS No. 501 (i)

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history: Prepared at the 19th JECFA (1975), published in NMRS 55B (1976) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th JECFA (2002). An ADI of 0-6 mg/kg bw was established at the 9th JECFA (1965).
Chemical names: Potassium carbonate, potassium salt of carbonic acid
C.A.S. number: 584-08-7
Chemical formula: Anhydrous: K2CO3 Hydrated: K2CO3 · 1½H2O
Formula weight: 138.21 (anhydrous)
Assay: Not less than 99.0% after drying
DESCRIPTION: White, odourless, very deliquescent powder; the hydrated form occurs as small, white, translucent crystals or granules
FUNCTIONAL USES: Alkali
METHOD OF ASSAY: Weigh accurately about 1 g of the dried sample. Dissolve carefully in 50 ml of 1 N sulfuric acid, add methyl orange TS and titrate the excess acid with 1 N sodium hydroxide. Each ml of 1 N sulfuric acid is equivalent to 69.11 mg of K2CO3.

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4): Very soluble in water; insoluble in ethanol
Test for potassium (Vol. 4): Passes test
Test for carbonate (Vol. 4): Passes test

Purity criteria

Loss on drying (Vol. 4): Anhydrous: Not more than 5% (180 o , 4 h) Hydrated forms: Between 10% and 18% (180 o , 4 h)
Lead (Vol. 4): 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)

Authorised in other additives, enzymes, flavourings and nutrients

These authorisations are not for use in food. They let this substance be used inside another additive, a food enzyme, a flavouring or a nutrient preparation — often as a carrier — and it reaches food only as part of that product. Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

Part	May be used in	Maximum level	Citation
Annex III, Part 1: Carriers in food additives	All food additives	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 1
Annex III, Part 2: Food additives other than carriers in food additives	All food additive preparationsAuthorised as a member of Table 1 of Part 6, listed as "Table 1" Note (1): Except enzymes authorised as food additives.	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 2, via Table 1 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 3: Food additives including carriers in food enzymes	Food enzymesCan be used as a carrier: Yes, E 501 (i) potassium carbonate only Note (1): Including enzymes authorised as food additives.	In enzyme preparation: quantum satis In final food except beverages: quantum satis In beverages: quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 3
Annex III, Part 4: Food additives including carriers in food flavourings	All flavouringsAuthorised as a member of Table 1 of Part 6, listed as "Table 1"	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 4, via Table 1 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 5, Section A: Food additives added in nutrients except in nutrients intended to be used in foodstuffs listed in Part E, point 01.10, of Annex II and foodstuffs for infants and young children listed in Part E, point 13.1, of Annex II	All nutrientsCan be used as a carrier: Yes	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 5, Section A

Every name it appears under

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

E number

E501

INS number

501(i)

CAS registry number

584-08-7

As it appears in regulation

Potassium carbonate

Other names

Alkaline Super Ionized Water
Bestmade Natural Products Kali Carb
BQN1B9B9HA
Carbonate of potash
Carbonic acid, dipotassium salt
Carbonic acid, potassium salt (1:2)
Caswell No. 685
CCRIS 7320
CLEANING-S
Dcad plus
Dipotassium cabonate
Dipotassium carbonate
E 501(i)
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 073504
FACE-BODY-S
FOOD-S
Greenfish, Body-S
Greenfish, Cleaning-S
HSDB 1262
INS NO.501(I)
INS-501(I)
K-Gran
Kali Carb
Kali carbonicum
Kali carbonicum 200C
Kali Carbonicum Kit Refill
Kalium carbonicum
Kalium carbonicum 12 Special Order
Kalium carbonicum 6X
Kaliumcarbonat
MOONSTAR FACE AND BODY MIST
MOONSTAR HAIR MIST
NARO AMOR
NARO COMO
NARO QUINN
NARO TIAMO
Pearl ash
potasium cabonate
potasium carbonate
potasiumcarbonate
potassium cabonate
potassium carbon ate
potassium carbonat
Potassium carbonate
Potassium carbonate (2:1)
Potassium carbonate (K2(CO3))
Potassium carbonate (K2CO3)
Potassium carbonate, anhydrous
Potassium carbonate-13C
potassium-carbonate
potassiumcarbonat
potassiumcarbonate
Salt of tartar
SANITALK COMY-ANIMAL SANITIZER(COVID-19)
SANITALK GREEN-FRUIT,VEGETABLE
SANITALK-SANITIZER(COVID-19)
ZEROQ
ZEROQ FACE BODY
ZEROQ FOOD
ZEROQ PET

Systematic names

dipotassium;carbonate

Hazard reference values

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
Type	Value	Population	Assessed by	Opinion
ADI	not limited	—	JECFA	1965

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 E 501?: E 501 is Potassium carbonate. Potassium carbonate is an alkaline acidity regulator used in cocoa processing, noodle making and some traditional baked goods.
What is Potassium 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 Potassium 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 Potassium carbonate vegan?: Yes. Potassium 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.

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