E536 · Potassium ferrocyanide
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E536?
Potassium ferrocyanide is an anticaking agent used in table salt to keep it free-flowing, functioning like its sodium counterpart, E535. The cyanide is tightly bound to iron and is not released under normal food conditions. EFSA and the FDA consider it safe within its permitted use levels and acceptable daily intake.
Also appears on labels as: E536, E 536, E-536, Potassium ferrocyanide, Potassium hexacyanoferrate(II), Potassium hexacyanoferrate, Yellow prussiate of potash, E536 anti-caking agent, Anti-caking agent E536, Food additive E536, INS 536, Kalio ferocianidas (LT).
What the evidence says
- Considered safe at permitted use levels; EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake and found no toxicity concern from normal dietary use.
- Theoretical cyanide release requires extreme conditions not typical of food handling or digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Is E536 safe?
Our overall verdict for E536 (Potassium ferrocyanide) 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 E536 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium ferrocyanide — 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 E536 and why is it used?
Potassium ferrocyanide is an anticaking agent used in table salt to keep it free-flowing, functioning like its sodium counterpart, E535. The cyanide is tightly bound to iron and is not released under normal food conditions. EFSA and the FDA consider it safe within its permitted use levels and acceptable daily intake.
Does E536 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium ferrocyanide.
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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.