What regulatory code covers ammonium hydroxide in the U.S.?

Its use in food is affirmed under 21 CFR 184.1139.

Can ammonium hydroxide be used in beverages?

Yes, it functions as a pH control agent in certain beverage applications under good manufacturing practice.

E527 is the food additive designation for ammonium hydroxide in some regulatory systems.

Does ammonium hydroxide change food taste?

At low use levels under good manufacturing practice, it typically does not impart a distinct taste.

Is ammonium hydroxide the same as household ammonia?

Food-grade ammonium hydroxide is similar but produced and used under controlled conditions distinct from household cleaners.

What other additives are similar?

Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are other pH control agents used in food.

How is ammonium hydroxide made?

It is made by dissolving ammonia gas into water to form a dilute solution.

AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE

CAS: 1336-21-6 LEAVENING AGENT, PH CONTROL AGENT, SURFACE-FINISHING AGENT

Ammonium hydroxide is a dilute aqueous solution of ammonia used in food processing as a leavening agent, pH control agent, and surface-finishing agent under good manufacturing practice conditions.

What It Is

Ammonium hydroxide is a chemical substance defined as a solution of ammonia in water with the CAS number 1336-21-6 and technical functions including leavening agent, pH control agent, and surface-finishing agent. Other common names for this substance include "AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE AQUA AMMONIA AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE ((NH4)(OH) AMMONIUM WATER." In food applications, it functions primarily to adjust or control acidity levels, aid in leavening, and assist with surface finishing of certain food products. Regulatory frameworks in the United States affirm that when used in food production, it must meet food-grade specifications and be used in accordance with current good manufacturing practice (GMP) to achieve its technological roles without adversely affecting food quality or safety. The compound is part of regulatory listings for direct food substances and food contact substances.

How It Is Made

Ammonium hydroxide for food use is manufactured by dissolving ammonia gas into purified water to form a dilute aqueous solution. This process results in a weakly alkaline solution in which ammonia interacts with water to produce ammonium and hydroxide ions. For food-grade applications, the product is typically produced under controlled conditions to ensure compliance with purity specifications, often referenced to standards such as those in the Food Chemicals Codex. The resulting solution is tested to meet established criteria for identity, concentration, and absence of contaminants, though detailed specification documents are made available through regulatory compendia and monographs rather than in open public domain text.

Why It Is Used In Food

Ammonium hydroxide is utilized in food processing for specific functional purposes that align with its chemical properties. As a leavening agent, it helps food products achieve desired texture and volume by interacting with other components in doughs or batters. As a pH control agent, its alkaline nature allows formulators to adjust acidity or alkalinity in formulations to optimize processing conditions, texture, or preservation. When used as a surface-finishing agent, it can assist in achieving desired physical characteristics on the surfaces of certain foods. Regulatory listings state that these uses are affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when applied in accordance with current good manufacturing practice, meaning the amounts and conditions of use are tailored to technological needs without exceeding what is reasonably necessary.

Safety & Regulations

FDA

Approved: True
Regulation: 21 CFR 184.1139

EFSA

Notes: EFSA numeric ADI not established on d sources
E Number: E527

JECFA

Notes: JECFA evaluation describes ADI as not limited without numeric value
Ins Number: 527
Adi Display: not limited

Sources

Found In Products

Baked Breads And Rolls
Processed Cheese Products
Prepared Dairy Beverages
Snack Foods And Chips
Confectionery And Candies
Canned Vegetables And Beans
Fermented Milk Products
Soft Drink Beverages
Ready To Eat Savouries
Baked Goods And Pastries

FAQ

What is ammonium hydroxide used for in food?

It is used as a leavening agent, pH control agent, and surface-finishing agent under good...

Is ammonium hydroxide safe to eat?

Regulatory listings affirm it as generally recognized as safe when used as intended in food processing.

Does ammonium hydroxide have an ADI?

International evaluations describe its acceptable intake as not limited rather than a specific...

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