Stannous Chloride E512
color retention agent, reducing agent — Primarily synthetic.
Tin(II) chloride (SnCl2)
CAS: 7772-99-8
Factual Regulatory Reference
This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
What Is Stannous Chloride?
Stannous chloride (tin(II) chloride) is a reducing agent and antioxidant used in canned and bottled asparagus to preserve the white-cream color by preventing oxidative browning. Tin is a mineral naturally present in trace amounts in food. JECFA established an ADI of 2 mg/kg body weight (as tin). EFSA reviewed stannous chloride and maintains EU authorization for limited use in specific applications (primarily canned asparagus). The EU restricts it to quantum satis (as needed) within specific food categories.
? Did You Know?
Beyond food, Stannous Chloride is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
Regulatory Analysis
Stannous chloride (E512) illustrates the challenge of setting ADIs for additives where dietary intake occurs from multiple sources simultaneously. EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation established an ADI of 0.06 mg/kg body weight per day (as tin) — substantially lower than JECFA's 2 mg/kg — on the grounds that dietary tin exposure includes not only E512 added as a food additive but also tin migration from tin-coated steel cans used for food packaging. EFSA's conservative ADI reflects a cumulative exposure approach that combines both sources, while JECFA's ADI was developed primarily for the additive-only scenario. This gap between EFSA and JECFA ADIs (0.06 vs. 2 mg/kg) is among the most pronounced in food additive regulation and reflects differing methodologies for aggregating exposure from multiple simultaneous sources rather than a disagreement on tin's inherent properties.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Limited use in specific canned and bottled foods for color retention. Not permitted in all categories.
Official EFSA LinkUnited States (FDA)
Limited to specific uses in canned foods, maximum 15 ppm in asparagus.
Japan (MHLW)
Limited use with maximum residue limits.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Natural Occurrence
This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.
Manufacturing
Produced by dissolving metallic tin in hydrochloric acid. The resulting tin(II) chloride is purified and crystallized. Must be kept in acidic conditions to prevent oxidation to tin(IV) chloride.
Applications Beyond Food
Rarely used.
Reducing agent in pharmaceutical synthesis, stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide.
Electroplating, reducing agent in chemical synthesis, catalyst, glass production.
Not used in household products.