Learn Glossary acidulant

Sodium Hydroxide(E524)

Level 4Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Sodium Hydroxide is a acidulant — Alkali and modifier for food starch, glazing additive for pretzels

Also: Caustic Soda, Soda Lye

What it does

Alkali and modifier for food starch, glazing additive for pretzels

Where you'll see it

pretzels, peeling solutions for tubers and fruits

What the research says

Ingestion causes burns, prostration, collapse; inhalation causes lung damage

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: FDA banned more than 10 percent in household drain cleaners

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): its ingestion causes burns, prostration, and collapse; inhalation causes lung damage