E363 · Succinic acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E363?
Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid naturally present in plants, animals, and microorganisms, and is used in food as an acidity regulator and flavoring agent. It occurs naturally in the body's own metabolism as part of the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Outside food, it is also used industrially as a building block for various chemicals and bio-based plastics, but the food-grade form is evaluated separately for dietary safety.
Also appears on labels as: Succinic Acid, E363, E-363, E 363, INS 363, Butanedioic Acid, 1,4-Butanedioic Acid, Ethane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, Spirit of Amber, Amber Acid, Acidum Succinicum, Food Acid E363.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels; no significant documented risks from dietary exposure.
Research behind the verdict
- Succinic Acid Production and Safety: Latest Perspectives on Food Applications — Biotechnology and Food Safety Research Institute, Biotechnology and Applied Chemistry Journal (2024). A comprehensive 2024 review of succinic acid (E363) covering its production methods, applications, and safety profile. The study highlighted succinic acid as an eco-friendly food additive that can be produced through biotechnological processes from renewable resources. The research confirmed excellent safety characteristics with no adverse effects identified in toxicological studies. Succinic acid's natural occurrence in various foods and its role in cellular metabolism support its safety for food use as an acidulant and flavoring agent.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E363 safe?
Our overall verdict for E363 (Succinic 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 E363 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Succinic 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 E363 and why is it used?
Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid naturally present in plants, animals, and microorganisms, and is used in food as an acidity regulator and flavoring agent. It occurs naturally in the body's own metabolism as part of the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Outside food, it is also used industrially as a building block for various chemicals and bio-based plastics, but the food-grade form is evaluated separately for dietary safety.
Does E363 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Succinic 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.