E579: Ferrous Gluconate
Main role: color retention
Also listed as: iron(II) gluconate
What is E579 (Ferrous Gluconate)?
Ferrous gluconate is an iron salt of gluconic acid. In its additive role it can help stabilize the dark appearance of treated olives, separate from uses as an iron ingredient in supplements.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is color retention. 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
- Blackened olives
- Specified olive 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 E579, E 579, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include iron(II) gluconate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A color-retention use does not tell you the iron dose of a food supplement. E579 and ferric iron compounds should not be treated as identical forms.
Is E579 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 E579 as Ferrous gluconate. 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.