E355 · Adipic acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E355?
Adipic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in food as an acidity regulator and flavoring adjunct, giving a tart taste to gelatin desserts, candies, and beverages. It is far better known industrially as the key raw material for making nylon 6,6, but the food-grade form used as E355 is regulated and evaluated separately for safety. It is considered safe at typical food-use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Adipic Acid, E355, E 355, E-355, INS 355, Hexanedioic Acid, 1,6-Hexanedioic Acid, Adipate, Food Acid 355, Synthetic Adipic Acid, Acidulant E355, Adipic Food Acid.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels; no significant documented risks from dietary exposure.
Research behind the verdict
- Adipic Acid Safety Assessment: Comprehensive Toxicological Review — Industrial Safety Research Institute, Toxicology and Food Safety Review (2024). A detailed 2024 safety evaluation of adipic acid (E355) as a food additive and industrial chemical. The study reviewed extensive toxicological data and concluded that adipic acid poses minimal risk to human health when used according to approved guidelines. The research found no evidence of carcinogenicity or significant toxicity at normal consumption levels. Adipic acid demonstrates good safety margins and is well-tolerated in food applications as an acidulant and flavoring agent. The assessment supports its continued safe use in food products.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E355 safe?
Our overall verdict for E355 (Adipic acid) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E355 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Adipic acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E355 and why is it used?
Adipic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in food as an acidity regulator and flavoring adjunct, giving a tart taste to gelatin desserts, candies, and beverages. It is far better known industrially as the key raw material for making nylon 6,6, but the food-grade form used as E355 is regulated and evaluated separately for safety. It is considered safe at typical food-use levels.
Does E355 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Adipic acid.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.