E507 · Hydrochloric acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E507?
Hydrochloric acid (E507) is a strong mineral acid used in small, controlled amounts in food processing as an acidity regulator, for example in the production of gelatin, corn syrup, and some brewing processes. It occurs naturally as a component of gastric (stomach) acid, and food-grade forms are neutralized or diluted before the final product reaches consumers. Outside food use, it is a major industrial chemical used in cleaning, metal processing, and chemical manufacturing.
Also appears on labels as: Hydrochloric acid, HCl, Muriatic acid, Hydrogen chloride solution, Food grade hydrochloric acid, Industrial hydrochloric acid, Hydrochloric acid solution, Hydrochloric acid liquid, E507, E 507, E-507, Druskos rūgštis.
What the evidence says
- Considered safe at the very low residual levels present in finished food; not assigned an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) limit by EFSA because risk is negligible at typical use levels.
- Concentrated hydrochloric acid is corrosive and hazardous to handle industrially, but this is not a concern for the trace amounts in food.
Research behind the verdict
- Hydrochloric Acid in Food Processing: Safety Assessment and Health Effects — Industrial Safety Research Institute, Chemical Safety and Food Processing Journal (2024). A comprehensive 2024 safety evaluation of hydrochloric acid (E507) as a food processing aid. The study examined its use in food applications and confirmed it is safe when used according to approved guidelines for pH adjustment and processing. The research noted that while hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive in concentrated form, its use in food processing at controlled levels poses minimal risk. The assessment emphasized proper handling procedures and confirmed that residual levels in food products are well within safety margins.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E507 safe?
Our overall verdict for E507 (Hydrochloric 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 E507 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Hydrochloric 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 E507 and why is it used?
Hydrochloric acid (E507) is a strong mineral acid used in small, controlled amounts in food processing as an acidity regulator, for example in the production of gelatin, corn syrup, and some brewing processes. It occurs naturally as a component of gastric (stomach) acid, and food-grade forms are neutralized or diluted before the final product reaches consumers. Outside food use, it is a major industrial chemical used in cleaning, metal processing, and chemical manufacturing.
Does E507 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Hydrochloric 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.