Sodium ferrocyanide

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 535

Food additives Europe numbers: E535 

Sodium ferrocyanide (E535) is a food additive with a specific function and some interesting properties:

Function:

• Anticaking agent: Its primary role in food is to prevent caking and clumping. This is particularly useful in table salt and other dry, granular products [1]. Sodium ferrocyanide helps keep the crystals separated and free-flowing.

Interesting aspects:

• Chemical composition: Despite the presence of "cyanide" in its name, sodium ferrocyanide has low toxicity [2]. The cyanide component is bound tightly within a molecule and doesn't readily break free.
• Limited use: Unlike many anticaking agents, sodium ferrocyanide is only approved for use in a few food categories due to stricter regulations [3]. It's not as common as some other anticaking agents.
• Alternative uses: Sodium ferrocyanide has applications beyond food. It's used in some industrial processes and blue pigment production [4].

Safety:

• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS): Regulatory bodies like the US FDA consider sodium ferrocyanide safe for its limited use in food when consumed within set limits [5].
• Low absorption: Our bodies absorb only a small amount of sodium ferrocyanide if ingested [6].

Overall:

Sodium ferrocyanide is a specific anticaking agent used in a limited range of foods. While safe for its intended use, its presence might raise concerns for some consumers due to the "cyanide" connection. If you're unsure about it, checking with a registered dietitian can provide peace of mind.