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Fumaric Acid (E297) — What You Need to Know

Safe(9/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Fumaric Acid?

Fumaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in fumitory plants, mushrooms, and lichen. It is an intermediate in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle and is produced in the human body during metabolic processes. It has the strongest sour taste per gram of any food-grade acid, making it highly cost-effective as an acidulant.

What Is It Used For?

Used as an acidulant in dry food mixes, tortillas, pie fillings, and beverages. Its very low hygroscopicity (resistance to moisture absorption) makes it particularly useful in powdered and dry mix products.

Function: Acidity regulator, acidulant, flavor enhancer
3 mg
Dataset exposure estimate

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). No usage restrictions.
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): No ADI needed. Classified as quantum satis (no numerical limit required). Considered safe at all food-use levels.
⚠️ Key Concerns

Naturally occurring organic acid that is an intermediate in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Named after the Fumaria (fumitory) plant from which it was first isolated. No safety concerns. Used as an acidulant because it has the strongest sour taste per gram of any food acid, making it cost-effective. Very low hygroscopicity (doesn't absorb moisture), making it ideal for dry mixes and powders.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Fumaric Acid an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 9/10. This is 0.2 points above the database average for acidity regulators (8.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2018.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

TortillasPie fillingsGelatin dessertsWineFruit drinksBaking powders
Example brands:
Betty CrockerJell-ODr. Oetker

Always check the label for E297 or 'Fumaric Acid'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C4H4O4
Molecular Weight: 116.07 g/mol
CAS Number: 110-17-8
INS Number: 297
Also known as: E297, INS 297, trans-Butenedioic acid, Allomaleic acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Fumaric Acid

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). No usage restrictions.; EFSA/EU — No ADI needed. Classified as quantum satis (no numerical limit required). Considered safe at all food-use levels.. Reported concerns: Naturally occurring organic acid that is an intermediate in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Named after the Fumaria (fumitory) plant from which it was first isolated. No safety concerns. Used as an acidulant because it has the strongest sour taste per gram of any food acid, making it cost-effective. Very low hygroscopicity (doesn't absorb moisture), making it ideal for dry mixes and powders. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E297
INS Number
297
Category
Acidity Regulators
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). No usage restrictions.
EFSA Status
No ADI needed. Classified as quantum satis (no numerical limit required). Considered safe at all food-use levels.
ADI
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2018
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other acidity regulators in the same family

Malic Acid (E296)Citric Acid (E330)Tartaric Acid (E334)Lactic Acid (E270)