Hydrochloric acid
Learn what Hydrochloric acid (E507) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Hydrochloric acid?
Food additive used as an acidity regulator, obtained from salt and sulfuric acid. Hydrochloric acid is normally present in the stomach. It is used in dairy products, matured, unripened, or processed cheeses, whey products, ice cream, spreadable fats, emulsions such as water-oil, sweet creams, products from vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, cereals, bakery products, confectionery, pasta, breakfast cereals, beer, wine, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, nutritional supplements, diet products, sauces, condiments, salads, etc.
Why is Hydrochloric acid added to food?
Hydrochloric acid (E507) is a firming agent commonly found in: Cheeses, sweet creams.
Permitted quantity: No daily intake limit.
Is Hydrochloric acid safe?
Generally recognized as safe
No secondary effects have been reported at the quantities used in food.
Is Hydrochloric acid banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Hydrochloric acid okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods intended for infants and small children.
Common foods that contain Hydrochloric acid
- Cheeses
- sweet creams
How to spot Hydrochloric acid on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E507
- Hydrochloric acid
Common misspellings to watch for:
- hydrochlorie acid
- hydrochloric aeid
- hydroehloric acid
- hydrochloric acid
- hydrochloric acld
- hydrochloric dcid
- hydrochlorlc acid
Better alternatives
• People with stomach or esophageal conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), ulcers, or gastritis, should avoid foods containing hydrochloric acid, as it may worsen symptoms of these conditions. • Additionally, people sensitive to the acidity of foods or suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be cautious when consuming this additive. • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consuming products containing hydrochloric acid to avoid potential adverse effects on their health or the child. • People with kidney or liver conditions should consult a doctor before consuming products containing hydrochloric acid.
Also known as
- hydrochlorie acid
- hydrochloric aeid
- hydroehloric acid
- hydrochloric acid
- hydrochloric acld
- hydrochloric dcid
- hydrochlorlc acid
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Hydrochloric acid? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E507 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Hydrochloric acid
- Is Hydrochloric acid safe to eat?
- No secondary effects have been reported at the quantities used in food.
- Is Hydrochloric acid banned anywhere?
- Hydrochloric acid is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Hydrochloric acid safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods intended for infants and small children.
- How do I spot Hydrochloric acid on a food label?
- Look for E507, Hydrochloric acid in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: hydrochlorie acid, hydrochloric aeid, hydroehloric acid.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.