E534: Iron Tartrate
Main role: preventing salt clumping
Also listed as: iron meso-tartrate, iron(III) tartrate complex
What is E534 (Iron Tartrate)?
Iron tartrate is a specified complexation product used to help prevent clumping in salt. Its identity is more specific than a generic mixture of an iron ingredient and tartaric acid.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is preventing salt clumping. 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
- Salt anticaking preparations
- Specified salt mixtures
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 E534, E 534, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include iron meso-tartrate, iron(III) tartrate complex. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Iron tartrate is an anticaking additive, not an iron supplementation claim. Do not estimate a useful nutrient dose from its presence in table salt.
Is E534 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 E534 as Iron tartrate. 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.