Amonyum hidroksit

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

Ammonium hydroxide is ammonia dissolved in water. The EU specification describes it as a clear, colourless solution with an exceedingly pungent odour containing at least 27 per cent ammonia.

Where it is used

It acts as an acidity regulator and largely evaporates during processing. Its main uses are cocoa processing and pH adjustment in the manufacture of caramel colours.

Health note

JECFA has placed this substance in the “ADI not specified” group, meaning no numerical daily intake limit was considered necessary; in the EU it appears in the Group I list of Regulation 1333/2008 and is used at “quantum satis”, the smallest amount technologically required. No health risk has been reported at normal food use levels.

Halal assessment

This substance is an inorganic mineral compound produced without animal raw materials, so no halal concern has been reported for the additive itself. The product as a whole should still be assessed: carriers or other ingredients in the formulation may be of animal origin.