E513 · Sulfuric acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E513?
Sulfuric acid (E513) is used in trace amounts in food processing as a pH regulator, primarily in sugar refining and some starch/syrup production. It is one of the most widely produced industrial chemicals in the world, but its role as a food additive is limited to processing aids that are largely removed or neutralized before the final product is consumed.
Also appears on labels as: Sulfuric Acid, H2SO4, Oil of Vitriol, Sulphuric Acid, Sulfuric Acid Solution, Concentrated Sulfuric Acid, Dilute Sulfuric Acid, Sulfuric Acid (Food Grade), Sulfuric Acid Technical Grade, Sulfuric Acid Industrial Grade, Liquid Sulfuric Acid, Sulfuric Acid CAS 7664-93-9.
What the evidence says
- Considered safe at the very low residual levels used in food processing; not typically assigned a numerical ADI due to negligible dietary exposure.
- Concentrated sulfuric acid is highly corrosive, but this is a handling/industrial concern, not a risk from trace food residues.
Research behind the verdict
- EFSA Re-evaluation of Sulfuric Acid and Its Salts: Comprehensive Safety Assessment — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings, EFSA Journal (2019). A comprehensive 2019 re-evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority of sulfuric acid (E513) and its sodium, potassium, calcium, and ammonium salts. The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings concluded that adequate exposure and toxicological data were available and confirmed the safety of these compounds when used as authorized food additives. The assessment found no safety concerns at current usage levels and exposure estimates. The study supports continued use of sulfuric acid and its salts in approved food applications.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E513 safe?
Our overall verdict for E513 (Sulfuric 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 E513 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sulfuric 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 E513 and why is it used?
Sulfuric acid (E513) is used in trace amounts in food processing as a pH regulator, primarily in sugar refining and some starch/syrup production. It is one of the most widely produced industrial chemicals in the world, but its role as a food additive is limited to processing aids that are largely removed or neutralized before the final product is consumed.
Does E513 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sulfuric 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.