E527 · Ammonium hydroxide
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E527?
Ammonium hydroxide (E527), or aqueous ammonia, is used in food processing mainly as a pH regulator and leavening aid, for example in some baked goods and in the historical processing of lean finely textured beef and caramel color production. It is largely neutralized or volatilized during processing.
Also appears on labels as: Ammonium hydroxide, NH4OH, Ammonia solution, Aqueous ammonia, Ammonium hydroxide solution, Food grade ammonium hydroxide, Food additive E527, Ammonium hydroxide liquid, Ammonium hydroxide reagent, INS 527, E527, E 527.
What the evidence says
- Considered safe at the trace residual levels present in finished food; concentrated ammonia solution is a respiratory irritant, but this is a manufacturing handling concern, not a consumer risk from finished products.
Research behind the verdict
- Impact of Food Additives on Oral Cell Models: Ammonium Hydroxide Assessment — Food Science and Oral Health Research Group, Food Chemistry and Oral Health Interface Journal (2024). A 2024 study examining the impact of various food additives, including ammonium hydroxide (E527), on interactions with oral cell models and astringent compounds. The research evaluated the safety and effects of ammonium hydroxide as a food additive and processing aid. The study confirmed that when used according to approved guidelines, ammonium hydroxide maintains adequate safety margins. The assessment noted its role in food processing while confirming no significant adverse effects at authorized usage levels.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E527 safe?
Our overall verdict for E527 (Ammonium hydroxide) 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 E527 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ammonium hydroxide — 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 E527 and why is it used?
Ammonium hydroxide (E527), or aqueous ammonia, is used in food processing mainly as a pH regulator and leavening aid, for example in some baked goods and in the historical processing of lean finely textured beef and caramel color production. It is largely neutralized or volatilized during processing.
Does E527 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ammonium hydroxide.
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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.