E335 – Sodium tartrates | Sodium intake, gut concerns and food uses

Quick analysis summary about E335 – Sodium tartrates food additive

Bottom line about E335

E335 covers the monosodium and disodium salts of authorised L(+)-tartaric acid. Both are low risk at normal food-use levels and receive a GREEN – SAFE grade.

Why this grade for E335

A two-year rat study directly tested E335(i) without adverse organ effects or tumour induction, while human data indicate lower internal exposure than in rats [1,2]. Evidence for E335(ii) is less direct, and a recent mouse study raises an indirect gut-immune question [3].

Who may want to limit or avoid E335

People with strict sodium limits, kidney disease or heart failure should avoid high-dose supplements or laxative use. Those with active inflammatory bowel disease may also avoid unusually high supplemental intake pending human evidence.

Common uses and where E335 appears

E335 controls acidity, binds metal ions and supports texture in fruit and vegetable products, confectionery, bakery foods, sauces, soups and flavoured drinks.

E335 source or origin

Sodium tartrates are industrially produced salts of L(+)-tartaric acid. The acid may come from wine-making by-products or another authorised route.

Intake note for E335

EFSA established a group Acceptable Daily Intake of 240 mg per kg body weight per day, expressed as tartaric acid, for authorised L(+)-tartaric acid and tartrates [4].

Is E335 banned anywhere?

The European Union authorises E335(i) and E335(ii). The United States GRAS rule specifically covers disodium L(+)-tartrate, corresponding to E335(ii), while Great Britain also authorises E335 and Canada permits sodium tartrate in specified foods.

Safety grading GREEN – SAFE

Authorised L(+)-sodium tartrates present a low risk at normal food levels. Large laxative doses can upset digestion, while one short mouse study creates an indirect gut-immune uncertainty rather than evidence of harm from ordinary E335 intake.

Study basis or key toxicological reasoning for E335

In a two-year rat study, E335(i) was fed at up to 3,100 mg/kg body weight per day. Higher-dose weight reduction was linked to palatability, while no adverse organ findings or tumour induction occurred. EFSA used 3,100 mg/kg body weight per day as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) [1,4]. This is direct evidence for E335(i) and indirect support for E335(ii). Two adults given sodium L(+)-tartrate for up to four days showed lower internal exposure than rats [2,4]. In a 10-day mouse study, tartaric acid at 5–50 micrograms per mouse per day increased eosinophil and type 2 immune markers. In colitis mice, 50 micrograms increased IL-13 and IL-5 receptor alpha without significantly worsening body weight or colon length [3]. This is indirect for E335 and unconfirmed in humans. A 13-week rat study of DL-potassium hydrogen tartrate found obstructive kidney lesions and a NOAEL near 60 mg tartaric acid/kg body weight per day [5]. It involved different stereoisomers and is indirect for EU-authorised E335.

Side effects of E335 – Sodium tartrates food additive

No expected effect at normal food levels. The quantities used for acidity and texture control are generally small.
Digestive upset at very high doses. Laxative-like amounts may cause nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps [4].
Additional sodium. Concentrated sodium tartrate products can matter to people following strict sodium restrictions.
Indirect kidney findings. Kidney toxicity occurred in animals given different D or DL tartrates, not the L(+)-forms authorised as E335 in the European Union [4,5].
Experimental gut-immune signal. A short mouse study of tartaric acid increased eosinophil and inflammatory markers and suggested possible worsening of experimental colitis, but it did not directly test E335 or establish human risk [3].

Should You Avoid E335 – Sodium tartrates food additive?

Most consumers do not need to avoid E335 in ordinary foods. The long-term evidence for E335(i) is reassuring, while the newer gut-immune finding is a single indirect mouse study rather than proof of harm in people. Those with strict sodium limits should avoid high-dose supplements or laxative preparations. People with active inflammatory bowel disease may also choose to limit unusually high supplemental intake until the experimental finding is independently reproduced and assessed in humans.

Common uses of E335 – Sodium tartrates food additive

Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables. It helps control acidity and product quality.
Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote. It supports pH and texture stability.
Confectionery, chewing gum and decorative fillings. It balances sweetness and controls acidity.
Bread, rolls and fine bakery wares. It supports formulation stability and acid-base reactions.
Seasonings, mustard, soups and sauces. It regulates acidity and can bind metal ions.
Flavoured drinks and some spirit drinks. It adjusts acidity under category-specific limits.
Fat and oil emulsions. It can support emulsification and formulation stability.

Common names and synonyms of E335 – Sodium tartrates food additive

Sodium tartrates
Monosodium tartrate
Disodium tartrate
Monosodium L(+)-tartrate
Disodium L(+)-tartrate
Sodium dextro-tartrate
E335(i)
E335(ii)
INS 335

What is E335 – Sodium tartrates food additive?

E335 is the collective E-number for two sodium salts of L(+)-tartaric acid. E335(i) is monosodium tartrate, in which one acidic hydrogen is replaced by sodium. E335(ii) is disodium tartrate, in which both acidic hydrogens are replaced. The monosodium form is more acidic, while the disodium form is closer to neutral in water and contributes more sodium at the same product weight.

Manufacturers produce these salts by reacting purified L(+)-tartaric acid with a controlled amount of sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. The tartaric acid may come from wine-making by-products or another authorised source. European specifications define the permitted L(+)-forms and set identity and purity criteria.

When dissolved in food or the digestive tract, E335 separates into sodium and tartrate ions. Sodium enters normal electrolyte pathways, while tartrate is partly absorbed and partly metabolised by intestinal microorganisms. The salts regulate pH, bind metal ions and support textures or emulsions without adding the same intense sourness as free tartaric acid. Their sodium contribution is normally minor at food-use levels but becomes more relevant in concentrated supplemental or laxative doses.

Where is E335 – Sodium tartrates food additive allowed (EU vs US)?

The European Union authorises both E335(i) and E335(ii) in specified food categories under numerical limits, with revised conditions applying since 16 December 2024. The United States GRAS regulation covers disodium L(+)-tartrate as an emulsifier and pH-control agent in cheese, fats and oils, and jams and jellies under good manufacturing practice.

E335 – Sodium tartrates