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E536Anti-caking agentModerate concern

Potassium Ferrocyanide

In plain words

The short version

The standard EU anti-caking agent for table salt — controversial in popular health narratives, regulated at very low residual.

Why we flag it amber

It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.

Safety

Safety profile

ADI of 0–0.025 mg/kg body weight (JECFA). Despite the cyanide groups in the formula, the iron-cyanide complex is thermodynamically very stable and the cyanide is not released under physiological conditions. Repeated misinformation panics around table salt do not reflect the actual chemistry. Banned in some countries (e.g., a few US states' organic standards) more on precautionary than evidence-based grounds.

The detail

Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.