• Independent
  • With sources
  • No advertising
  • Tools run in your browser
Gruene Biotechnologie Independent explanations: genetic engineering, plants and food Check a label

What is E 503?

Baker's ammonia (ammonium carbonate) in a dish
Baker's ammonia (ammonium carbonate) in a dish Photo: Aariuser I, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

E 503 is the E number of Ammonium carbonates. Raising agent known as baker's ammonia. It is used mainly for flat baked goods such as gingerbread and spiced biscuits.

Where is E 503 most commonly used?

Baker's ammonia is mainly used for flat baked goods such as gingerbread and spiced biscuits. During baking it breaks down completely into gases and water.

What is E 503 used for?

E 503 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as raising agent, acidity regulator.

  • Raising agent: Raising agents release gas and so increase the volume of a dough.
  • Acidity regulator: Acidity regulators alter or control the acidity (pH) of a food.

Which foods may contain E 503?

According to the European Commission's database, E 503 may be used in 71 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

  • Dairy products and analogues
  • Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
  • Edible ices
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Confectionery
  • Cereals and cereal products
  • Bakery wares
  • Meat
  • Fish and fisheries products
  • Eggs and egg products
  • Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
  • Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
  • Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
  • Beverages
  • Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
  • Desserts
  • Food supplements
  • Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 503 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 503 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 503 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Raising agent: E 503" or "Raising agent: Ammonium carbonates".

Sources