E513: Sulphuric Acid
Main role: acidity adjustment
Also listed as: sulfuric acid
What is E513 (Sulphuric Acid)?
Sulphuric acid can be used in controlled ingredient processing and acidity adjustment. The food-grade input is subject to specifications, and its role must be understood through the manufacturing process and final food conditions.
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 manufacture
- Acidity-control processing
- Specified food 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 E513, E 513, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sulfuric acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The properties of concentrated acid do not describe the finished food. A relevant assessment needs the final pH, processing conditions, and permitted use.
Is E513 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 E513 as Sulphuric 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.