Potasyum ferrosiyanit

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

The potassium salt of a stable complex of iron and cyanide ions, in which the cyanide is tightly bound to iron as a complex. It is produced synthetically.

Where it is used

Used as an anti caking agent in salt and salt substitutes only; the maximum level under the EU and Turkish Food Codex rules is 20 mg/kg, expressed as anhydrous potassium ferrocyanide.

Health note

In 2018 EFSA established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.03 mg per kg body weight per day for the ferrocyanides, expressed as ferrocyanide ion, based on a two year rat study identifying the kidney as the target organ. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern at the current authorised use levels, and estimated intakes are well below the ADI.

Halal assessment

Its manufacture is entirely synthetic, from the reaction of sodium cyanide with ferrous sulphate, and no animal input is reported. The carrier or processing aid in the finished product may differ, so consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.