E514 · Sodium sulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E514?
Sodium sulfate and sodium hydrogen sulfate (sodium bisulfate) are used in food processing mainly as acidity regulators and processing aids, for example in some seasoning blends and as a pH adjuster. Outside food, sodium sulfate is a major ingredient in detergents and in glass and paper manufacturing.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium sulfate, Sodium sulphate, Sodium hydrogen sulfate, Sodium bisulfate, Sulfuric acid, disodium salt, Sulfuric acid, monosodium salt, Na2SO4, NaHSO4, E514, E 514, E-514, E514(i).
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; large amounts of sulfate salts can have a mild laxative effect.
- People on medically supervised low-sodium diets should be aware these compounds contribute to total sodium intake.
Research behind the verdict
- Sodium Sulfates in Food Applications: Safety and Regulatory Assessment — InfoCons Regulatory Research Team, Food Additive Regulatory Database (2024). A regulatory assessment of sodium sulfates (E514) including both sodium sulfate and sodium hydrogen sulfate forms as food additives. The study confirmed their safety when used as acidity regulators and supports for other additives in various food categories including dairy products, cheese, ice cream, and processed foods. The research found no adverse health effects at approved usage levels and confirmed adequate safety margins. The assessment supports continued use according to Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E514 safe?
Our overall verdict for E514 (Sodium sulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfate) 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 E514 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium sulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfate — 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 E514 and why is it used?
Sodium sulfate and sodium hydrogen sulfate (sodium bisulfate) are used in food processing mainly as acidity regulators and processing aids, for example in some seasoning blends and as a pH adjuster. Outside food, sodium sulfate is a major ingredient in detergents and in glass and paper manufacturing.
Does E514 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium sulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfate.
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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.