E507: Hydrochloric Acid
Main role: acidity adjustment
Also listed as: hydrogen chloride solution
What is E507 (Hydrochloric Acid)?
Hydrochloric acid is used in controlled food processing to lower pH or support specific ingredient-production steps. Its name identifies an acid input, while finished-food properties depend on concentration, processing, and neutralization.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity adjustment. Mineral ingredients can adjust acidity, firm a food, or keep powders flowing. A technical mineral ingredient does not establish a nutritional dose; use the nutrition declaration to assess amounts per serving.
Food and formulation examples
- Ingredient processing
- Starch or protein processing
- Acidity-adjusted preparations
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 E507, E 507, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include hydrogen chloride solution. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Do not compare a finished food with concentrated laboratory acid. Food-processing conditions and the final product specification determine the relevant exposure.
Is E507 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 E507 as Hydrochloric 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.