Sodium hydroxide (E524)
- Food Fine
What is Sodium hydroxide (E524)?
Sodium hydroxide (E524), or lye, is used in tiny amounts to adjust acidity and to give pretzels their brown crust. It's neutralised during cooking, so it isn't caustic in the finished food. It's fine; only the concentrated chemical is dangerous, because it burns.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Sodium hydroxide?
Yasno’s verdict on Sodium hydroxide: Fine. No meaningful concern at normal amounts.
Is Sodium hydroxide allowed in the EU?
EU status of Sodium hydroxide: Permitted as a food additive. Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Permitted as a food additive | Regulated as a food additive by the US FDA |
What else is it called?
- Caustic soda
- Sodium hydrate
- Aetznatron
Sources
- EU Food Additives Register — POL-FAD-IMPORT-3220, European Commission (DG SANTE), 2011
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
Yasno reads the whole label from a photo and explains every ingredient like this. It is coming soon to the App Store.