E503 · Ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E503?
Ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydrogen carbonate (ammonium bicarbonate) are leavening agents used in baking, especially in flat, dry baked goods like cookies and crackers, where the gas they release escapes easily during baking. They have a long history of use, sometimes called \"baker's ammonia.\" They are considered safe food additives at typical use levels, though a faint ammonia smell can occur during baking, which dissipates as the product cools.
Also appears on labels as: Ammonium carbonate, Ammonium hydrogen carbonate, Ammonium bicarbonate, Carbonic acid, diammonium salt, Carbonic acid, monoammonium salt, Baker's ammonia, Hartshorn, Sal volatile, Ammonium salts of carbonic acid, (NH4)2CO3, NH4HCO3, E503.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels; the ammonia released during baking dissipates and does not remain in the finished product in meaningful amounts.
Research behind the verdict
- Ammonium Bicarbonate in Food Industry: Applications and Safety Evaluation — BAKECHEM Food Safety Research, Food Industry Safety and Applications Journal (2024). A detailed 2024 safety assessment of ammonium carbonate (E503) focusing on its primary use as a leavening agent in baked goods. The study confirmed that ammonium bicarbonate is safe for general consumption when used according to approved guidelines. Regulatory bodies including the FDA have thoroughly evaluated the compound and affirmed its safety. The research highlighted its unique properties in creating fluffy, crispy textures in baked products through gas release when heated, with no significant health concerns identified.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E503 safe?
Our overall verdict for E503 (Ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate) 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 E503 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate — 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 E503 and why is it used?
Ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydrogen carbonate (ammonium bicarbonate) are leavening agents used in baking, especially in flat, dry baked goods like cookies and crackers, where the gas they release escapes easily during baking. They have a long history of use, sometimes called \"baker's ammonia.\" They are considered safe food additives at typical use levels, though a faint ammonia smell can occur during baking, which dissipates as the product cools.
Does E503 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate.
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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.