E522Stabilizer

Potassium aluminum sulfate

Learn what Potassium aluminum sulfate (E522) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.

Low concern

What is Potassium aluminum sulfate?

A food additive used as a stabilizer, hardening agent, and leavening agent, used in candied, crystallized, and glazed fruits and vegetables, as well as in egg-based preparations and fish, mollusk, and crustacean products.

Why is Potassium aluminum sulfate added to food?

Potassium aluminum sulfate (E522) is a stabilizer commonly found in: Candied fruits and vegetables, prepared fish.

Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake for human consumption is up to 0.6 mg/kg body weight.

Is Potassium aluminum sulfate safe?

Low concern

The toxic effect of aluminum on the body is known, especially on the nervous system, as well as its action as an inhibitor of calcium, iodine, and B vitamins absorption.

Is Potassium aluminum sulfate banned anywhere?

✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.

Is Potassium aluminum sulfate okay for kids?

Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.

Common foods that contain Potassium aluminum sulfate

  • Candied fruits and vegetables
  • prepared fish

See the full list of foods that contain Potassium aluminum sulfate

How to spot Potassium aluminum sulfate on labels

Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:

  • E522
  • Potassium aluminum sulfate

Common misspellings to watch for:

  • potas$ium aluminum sulfate
  • dotassium aluminum sulfate
  • potassium aluminum sulfdte
  • potdssium aluminum sulfate
  • potasslum aluminum sulfate
  • potassium dluminum sulfate
  • potassium aluminum suliate
  • potassium alumlnum sulfate
  • potassium aluminum $ulfate
  • potassium aluminum sultate
  • pota$sium aluminum sulfate
  • potassium aluminum sulfate

Better alternatives

• People with kidney conditions should avoid using potassium aluminum sulfate, as it can interfere with the elimination of aluminum from the body and affect kidney function. • Not recommended for individuals with central nervous system disorders, as aluminum accumulation can impair cognitive functions and worsen neurological conditions. • Excessive use can cause gastrointestinal irritation, including abdominal pain, nausea, or discomfort. • Avoid using in combination with medications that affect aluminum metabolism or interfere with kidney function.

Explore homemade alternatives to processed snacks →

Also known as

  • potas$ium aluminum sulfate
  • dotassium aluminum sulfate
  • potassium aluminum sulfdte
  • potdssium aluminum sulfate
  • potasslum aluminum sulfate
  • potassium dluminum sulfate
  • potassium aluminum suliate
  • potassium alumlnum sulfate
  • potassium aluminum $ulfate
  • potassium aluminum sultate
  • pota$sium aluminum sulfate
  • potassium aluminum sulfate

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Not sure if a product contains Potassium aluminum sulfate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E522 — with a plain-language explanation.

Frequently asked questions about Potassium aluminum sulfate

Is Potassium aluminum sulfate safe to eat?
The toxic effect of aluminum on the body is known, especially on the nervous system, as well as its action as an inhibitor of calcium, iodine, and B vitamins absorption.
Is Potassium aluminum sulfate banned anywhere?
Potassium aluminum sulfate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Potassium aluminum sulfate safe for children?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
How do I spot Potassium aluminum sulfate on a food label?
Look for E522, Potassium aluminum sulfate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: potas$ium aluminum sulfate, dotassium aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfdte.

Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.