raising agent INS 503

Ammonium Carbonates E503

acidity regulator, leavening agent — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Ammonium carbonate (E503i), Ammonium hydrogen carbonate/bicarbonate (E503ii)

CAS: 506-87-6 (i), 1066-33-7 (ii)

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Ammonium Carbonates is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Ammonium Carbonates has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Restricted to use in certain food categories, primarily baked goods. Decomposes completely during baking, leaving no residue.

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Limited to baked goods where it fully decomposes during baking.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Primarily used in traditional confections and crackers.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

not specified (acceptable for use in baked goods)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

not specified (no residue remains in finished product)

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by reacting ammonia gas with carbon dioxide and water vapor. E503i (ammonium carbonate) is actually a mixture of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate. E503ii (ammonium bicarbonate) is made by passing CO2 through aqueous ammonia solution.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Rarely used; primarily in hair dye products as alkalizing agent.

Medical

Expectorant, smelling salts (aromatic spirits of ammonia).

Industrial

Dyeing, tanning, fertilizer production, pharmaceuticals.

Household

Traditional smelling salts for fainting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ammonium Carbonates (E503)?

Ammonium Carbonates (E503) is a raising agent used in food products. It is acidity regulator, leavening agent and synthetic. Ammonium carbonates do not occur naturally in significant amounts. Historically, ammonium carbonate was obtained by dry distillation of animal horns and hooves (hence 'hartshorn'), but modern production is entirely synthetic.

What is the ADI for Ammonium Carbonates?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Ammonium Carbonates is not specified (acceptable for use in baked goods) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Ammonium Carbonates?

Ammonium Carbonates is used in various food categories including Bakery wares, Cocoa products and chocolate. It is used as a raising agent in these products.

Is Ammonium Carbonates the same as Baker's ammonia?

Yes, Ammonium Carbonates is also known as Baker's ammonia, Hartshorn salt, Sal volatile (E503i), Smelling salts (E503i), ABC (ammonium bicarbonate, E503ii). These are different names for the same substance.