E508 · Potassium chloride
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E508?
Potassium chloride is a mineral salt used as a sodium-free salt substitute and in low-sodium foods to help preserve a salty taste. It also serves as a firming agent and a source of dietary potassium, a mineral important for nerve and muscle function. It's regarded as safe for the general population at food-use levels, but people with kidney disease or those taking certain blood pressure medications should watch their potassium intake.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium chloride, KCl, Potassium salt of hydrochloric acid, E508, E 508, E-508, INS 508, Potassium chloride food grade, Food additive E508, Additivo alimentare E508, Additif alimentaire E508, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff E508.
What the evidence says
- People with impaired kidney function or on potassium-sparing medications can have trouble clearing excess potassium, which may lead to dangerously high blood potassium (hyperkalemia).
- Large amounts can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Research behind the verdict
- Potassium Chloride: Essential Mineral Salt Safety and Nutritional Assessment — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources, EFSA Journal - Mineral Salts Assessment (2019). A detailed safety evaluation of potassium chloride (E508) examining its dual role as a food additive and essential nutrient source. The research confirmed that potassium chloride provides excellent safety margins while offering significant nutritional benefits as a sodium substitute and potassium source. The study noted its effectiveness in reducing sodium content in foods while maintaining taste and its importance in addressing potassium deficiency. The assessment highlighted its essential role in human nutrition and supports its widespread use in food applications.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E508 safe?
Our overall verdict for E508 (Potassium chloride) 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 E508 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium chloride — 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 E508 and why is it used?
Potassium chloride is a mineral salt used as a sodium-free salt substitute and in low-sodium foods to help preserve a salty taste. It also serves as a firming agent and a source of dietary potassium, a mineral important for nerve and muscle function. It's regarded as safe for the general population at food-use levels, but people with kidney disease or those taking certain blood pressure medications should watch their potassium intake.
Does E508 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium chloride.
Watch E508
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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.