E297: Fumaric Acid
Main role: acidity adjustment
Also listed as: trans-butenedioic acid
What is E297 (Fumaric Acid)?
Fumaric acid E297 is an organic acid used for acidity control in specified foods. Its solubility differs from several other food acids, which can make it useful in dry preparations and products needing controlled acid release.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity adjustment. Acidity regulators adjust or buffer pH. The resulting acidity depends on the whole recipe, not just the presence of one acid or salt. Acidity control may also affect texture and the performance of other ingredients.
Food and formulation examples
- Dry dessert mixes
- Selected bakery preparations
- Beverage powders
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E297, E 297, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include trans-butenedioic acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Fumaric acid and malic acid E296 are different acids with different formulation behavior. The ingredient list identifies the acid but does not quantify a food's final acidity.
Is E297 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E297 as Fumaric acid. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.