anti-caking agent INS 535

Sodium Ferrocyanide E535

crystallization aid — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Sodium ferrocyanide decahydrate (Na4[Fe(CN)6]·10H2O)

CAS: 13601-19-9

Data verified: 2026-04-04

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 Sodium Ferrocyanide?

Sodium ferrocyanide (yellow prussiate of soda) is used as an anti-caking agent in table salt (preventing caking during humid conditions). At food-use concentrations (typically 20 mg/kg in salt), ferrocyanide salts are considered safe — the ferrocyanide complex is stable and not converted to toxic cyanide under normal physiological conditions. JECFA established an ADI of 0.025 mg/kg body weight. EFSA reviewed sodium ferrocyanide in 2018 and confirmed the ADI. The EU restricts its use to table salt only at maximum 20 mg/kg (expressed as ferrocyanide ion).

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Sodium Ferrocyanide 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.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: 20 (as anhydrous ferrocyanide) mg/kg

Restricted to use in salt and salt substitutes only. Maximum levels strictly enforced.

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (limited use)

Limited to 13 ppm in table salt.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Restricted use with maximum limits in salt.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0-0.025 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.03 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion)

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by reacting ferrous sulfate with sodium cyanide and then oxidizing, or from spent oxide from gas purification. The hexacyanoferrate complex is extremely stable, with the cyanide groups tightly bound to the iron center.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Not used.

Medical

Not used in pharmaceuticals.

Industrial

Salt refining, wine fining, photography, pigment production (Prussian blue), metal surface treatment.

Household

Present in table salt as anti-caking agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Ferrocyanide (E535)?

Sodium Ferrocyanide (E535) is a anti-caking agent used in food products. It is crystallization aid and synthetic. Sodium ferrocyanide does not occur naturally. It is synthetically manufactured for use in salt refining and other industrial applications.

What is the ADI for Sodium Ferrocyanide?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Sodium Ferrocyanide is 0-0.025 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Sodium Ferrocyanide?

Sodium Ferrocyanide is used in various food categories including Table salt and salt substitutes. It is used as a anti-caking agent in these products.

Is Sodium Ferrocyanide the same as Yellow prussiate of soda?

Yes, Sodium Ferrocyanide is also known as Yellow prussiate of soda, Tetrasodium hexacyanoferrate, Sodium hexacyanoferrate(II). These are different names for the same substance.