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Food additive E535 sodium ferrocyanide has a different name - sodium hexacyanoferrate. The substance has a rather narrow application. Most often you can find E535 in table salt. Also, this substance is quite actively added to food bulk products. Sodium hexacyanoferrate is used in the chemical industry.
What is E535 food supplement
E535 belongs to the group of emulsifiers. The substance is crystals or yellowish powder. When water gets in, the color of sodium hexacyanoferrate becomes more pronounced.
The food additive belongs to sodium salts. In such liquid substances as water, essential oil, alcohol, E535 does not dissolve.
The main property of sodium ferrocyanide is to prevent caking, reduce lumps, increase flowability, and maintain the structure of the food product.
What is the anti-caking agent E535 made of?
E535 food agent is a synthetic compound that is chemically obtained from gas or coke production waste. The production technology is rather complicated and consists of several stages. Hydrocyanic acid is involved in the process of isolating E535 sodium ferrocyanide. The final stage is the purification of the substance.
The benefits and harms of food additives E535
The stabilizer itself is not toxic, but in an increased dose, entering the gastrointestinal tract and interacting with gastric juice, it begins to decompose. As a result of the reaction, hydrogen cyanide is released, which is a toxic compound (hydrocyanic acid).
The emulsifier does not have an immediate toxic effect on the human body, but the food additive tends to accumulate. This leads to slower blood circulation. The most common manifestation is poor circulation in the extremities (cold fingers and toes), over time the risk of thrombophlebitis increases.
Dangerous or not E535 food additive
There is still no unequivocal opinion about the harm and benefits of the E535. As a result, the agent was assigned to the III group of substances - a moderately hazardous additive. Until recently, the rate of consumption of a food supplement per day, which does not exceed 25 mg / kg, was considered acceptable and safe for health. This figure is conditional. Scientific research by both Russian and foreign scientists continues.
Other experts argue that since hydrocyanic acid is involved in the process of obtaining a complex mixture, the use of sodium ferrocyanide in food is extremely dangerous and can lead to negative consequences for the human body.
Investigating the chemical composition of the emulsifier, it was found that it contains toxic and poisonous components. Legislative documents of the Russian Federation prohibit the use of E535 for production purposes.
Where and why add anti-caking agent E535
The main application of E 535 can be attributed to the chemical industry. The substance is used in the manufacture of a blue paint called "Prussian Blue".
In the manufacture of welding rods, they are covered with a special layer, in which E535 is used. In this case, it acts as a stabilizer.
The additive is also used in the food industry, adding to the composition of powdered wine materials. In this case, the purpose of the additive is to prevent powder caking and the formation of lumps. In addition, the food additive is used in the production of wines and beverages to improve taste and viscosity.
The food additive is added to the composition of table salt and other bulk products in order to prevent the formation of lumps and caking. This is important to preserve the presentation. This ingredient can be added to instant drinks (for example, 3 in 1 coffee), cocoa powder, soda, milk powder. This method increases the shelf life of the product, improves its appearance.
In order to protect yourself and your family and not buy a product that contains E535, it is very important to pay attention to the composition. Bright packaging as a marketing ploy attracts the attention of the buyer. It is best to buy table salt by weight. Such a product can be significantly inferior in appearance to crystal white salt in bright packaging, but it is more likely that there is no anti-caking agent.
Conclusion
E535 can be found quite often in table salt. The food additive plays the role of an anti-caking agent, gives bulk food products a presentation. Also used in the production of wines and wine materials. It is used in the chemical industry for the production of paint of a certain color. The raw material for manufacturing is the waste gas cleaning mass. It is considered a non-toxic substance. Others do not support this view, since sodium ferrocyanide is made from waste gas. Views on harm differ. Many people consider the use of a dietary supplement to be dangerous because it builds up in the body and affects health. Use in the Russian Federation is officially prohibited.
