E517 · Ammonium sulfate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E517?
Ammonium sulfate (E517) is used in food production mainly as a yeast nutrient in baking and brewing, and occasionally as an acidity regulator. Outside food, it is best known as a widely used nitrogen fertilizer.
Also appears on labels as: Ammonium sulfate, Ammonium sulphate, (NH4)2SO4, Food grade ammonium sulfate, Ammonium sulfate powder, Ammonium sulfate solution, Ammonium salt of sulfuric acid, Synthetic ammonium sulfate, E517, E 517, E-517, Amonio sulfatas.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; contributes a small amount of dietary ammonium and sulfate, which are handled normally by the body.
Research behind the verdict
- Ammonium Sulfate Food Grade Market Analysis: Safety and Growth Trends — Food Industry Market Research Group, Food Market Trends and Safety Journal (2024). A comprehensive 2024 market analysis examining ammonium sulfate (E517) as a food additive, projecting market growth from USD 337.7 million in 2024 to USD 567.34 million by 2032. The study confirmed the safety of food-grade ammonium sulfate when used as a dough conditioner and acidity regulator in bakery and confectionery applications. Research indicates it functions effectively in food processing with established safety margins. The assessment supports its continued use in approved food categories according to regulatory guidelines.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E517 safe?
Our overall verdict for E517 (Ammonium 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 E517 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ammonium 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 E517 and why is it used?
Ammonium sulfate (E517) is used in food production mainly as a yeast nutrient in baking and brewing, and occasionally as an acidity regulator. Outside food, it is best known as a widely used nitrogen fertilizer.
Does E517 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ammonium 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.