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Fumaric Acid

What is Fumaric Acid?

Fumaric acid is a dicarboxylic organic acid widely used in food and beverage manufacturing due to its multifunctional properties, which include:

  • Acidulation & pH Control: One of the strongest organic food acids available, fumaric acid effectively lowers and stabilizes pH across a broad range of food systems, making it valuable in beverages, baked goods, and processed foods.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Delivers a sharp, clean sourness approximately 1.5 times more intense than citric acid by weight, making it an efficient and cost-effective acidulant for flavoring applications.
  • Mold Inhibition & Preservation: Acts as a natural preservative in baking applications by inhibiting mold growth and extending shelf life, particularly in tortillas and bread products.
  • Leavening Acid: Reacts with sodium bicarbonate to release carbon dioxide, supporting gas retention and improving volume and texture in baked goods.
  • Dough Rheology Improvement: Enhances dough machinability and handling characteristics in high-volume tortilla and flatbread manufacturing.

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Fumaric Acid Technical & Product Specifications

Characteristic

Specification
Chemical Name/Synonyms Fumaric Acid (trans-Butenedioic Acid; 2-Butenedioic Acid; E297)
CAS Number 110-17-8
Molecular Formula/Weight C₄H₄O₄ / 116.07 g/mol
Appearance White to off-white free-flowing crystalline powder or granules
Odor Odorless
Taste Strong, clean sour; fruit-like
Solubility Slightly soluble in water (~6.3 g/L at 20°C); soluble in ethanol
pKa (approx.) ~2.0–2.5 (strong buffering capacity)
Typical Assay (Purity) 99.5% minimum (anhydrous basis, per 21 CFR §172.350)
Regulatory/Grade FCC food-grade with Kosher status available; complies with 21 CFR §172.350
Packaging Options 25kg / 55lb bags; additional configurations available upon request
Microbial Limits Conforms to FCC food safety standards

Regulatory & Handling Considerations

  • FDA Authorization (USA): Fumaric acid is authorized for use in food under 21 CFR §172.350, which permits use at levels not exceeding the amount reasonably required to accomplish the intended effect. Minimum purity of 99.5% by weight (anhydrous basis) is required.
  • EU Authorization (E297): Approved as a food additive under E297 per Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Approved for use in beverages, baking powders, and other food categories subject to purity requirements.
  • JECFA / Global Status: The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of “not specified,” reflecting no evidence of harm at normal use levels. Approved for food use in the USA, EU, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Labeling: Must be declared on ingredient labels as “Fumaric Acid” in the U.S. (per 21 CFR Part 101). EU products must be listed as “fumaric acid” or “E297.”
  • Stability: Non-hygroscopic and stable under standard dry storage conditions. Sublimation occurs above 200°C; at 230°C fumaric acid converts to maleic anhydride. Formulation adjustments may be required in very high-heat processing environments.
  • Ingredient Interactions: It is compatible with most food ingredients and commonly used as a partial substitute for citric acid or tartaric acid; typical replacement ratios are approximately 1 g fumaric acid per 1.5 g citric acid for equivalent sourness. Its low water solubility should be factored into liquid system formulations.
  • Handling: Safety goggles, dust respirator, and rubber gloves are recommended when handling bulk powder. Shelf life is typically 24 months from date of production under recommended dry storage conditions.

Benefits of Fumaric Acid for Food & Beverage Manufacturers

  • Delivers intense, clean sourness at lower use levels compared to citric and malic acid, offering cost efficiency
  • Non-hygroscopic and free flowing, providing excellent stability in dry blends and baking mixes
  • Effectively lowers and stabilizes pH to inhibit mold and extend shelf life
  • Improves dough machinability and rheology in tortilla and flatbread production
  • Supports gel formation in jams, jellies, and fruit fillings for smoother, more consistent texture
  • Meets global food-grade standards for safety and purity under FDA, EU, and JECFA frameworks

About American International Foods, Inc. (AIFI) - A Fumaric Acid Supplier & Distributor

American International Foods, Inc. is a leading fumaric acid supplier with an additional full-service portfolio of over 2500 food and beverage ingredients. We offer one of the most extensive lines of acidulants distributed to manufacturers and processors in the food, beverage, pet food, health and nutrition sectors. With a strategic nationwide warehouse network and our reliable just-in-time deliveries, we can supply your business with high quality acidulants at competitive prices.