anti-caking agent INS 536

Potassium Ferrocyanide E536

crystallization aid — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Potassium ferrocyanide trihydrate (K4[Fe(CN)6]·3H2O)

CAS: 13943-58-3 (anhydrous), 14459-95-1 (trihydrate)

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 Potassium Ferrocyanide?

Potassium ferrocyanide (potassium hexacyanoferrate II) is used as an anti-caking agent in table salt and for wine clarification (to remove copper and iron ions that cause haze). Like sodium ferrocyanide (E535), the ferrocyanide complex is stable and not converted to toxic free cyanide at food-use levels. JECFA set an ADI of 0.025 mg/kg body weight (as ferrocyanide ion). EFSA reviewed potassium ferrocyanide in 2018. In EU wine production, it is used as a blue fining agent (blue fining). Approved in EU, USA, and other jurisdictions for specific applications.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Potassium 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, and wine. 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.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0-0.025 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion, for all ferrocyanides)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.03 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion, group ADI for all ferrocyanides)

Natural Occurrence

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

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced similarly to sodium ferrocyanide, but using potassium compounds. The hexacyanoferrate complex is extremely stable with cyanide groups tightly coordinated to the iron center.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Not used.

Medical

Not used.

Industrial

Wine fining, case hardening of steel, photography, pigment production.

Household

Present in some table salt products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Ferrocyanide (E536)?

Potassium Ferrocyanide (E536) is a anti-caking agent used in food products. It is crystallization aid and synthetic. Potassium ferrocyanide does not occur naturally. It is synthetically manufactured, primarily for use in wine making and salt products.

What is the ADI for Potassium Ferrocyanide?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Potassium Ferrocyanide is 0-0.025 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion, for all ferrocyanides) 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 Potassium Ferrocyanide?

Potassium Ferrocyanide is used in various food categories including Table salt and salt substitutes, Wine and other fermented beverages. It is used as a anti-caking agent in these products.

Is Potassium Ferrocyanide the same as Yellow prussiate of potash?

Yes, Potassium Ferrocyanide is also known as Yellow prussiate of potash, Tetrapotassium hexacyanoferrate, Potassium hexacyanoferrate(II). These are different names for the same substance.