YenzoWhat is E296 (malic acid)?
It is malic acid (DL-). Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists E296 as an acidity regulator and a sequestrant.
E296Malic acid
E296 is malic acid, an organic acid with a sour taste. In food it controls acidity, adds sourness and binds metals, and is often found in sweets and drinks.
- Code
- E296 · INS 296
- Group
- Acidity regulator, Sequestrant
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E296 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, acidity regulator (296), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
acidity regulator (296)acidity regulator 296E296INS 296On Vietnamese labels: Acid malic (DL-)
Malic acid in food
Milk, cheese, cream
Processed vegetables
Noodles, pasta, cerealsFish and seafood, cannedInfant formula, foods for young children
Juices, fruit nectars
Coffee, tea, herbal drinksConfectioneryBaked goodsQuestions about malic acid
Is malic acid harmful?
The JECFA database (the FAO/WHO expert committee) records an ADI of “not specified” (no numerical ADI is needed) for DL-malic acid, evaluated in 1969, within the group ADI for malic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts.
Is INS 296 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Malic acid, DL- (INS 296) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, as an acidity regulator and sequestrant.
Can children and pregnant women have E296?
The JECFA record for DL-malic acid notes that for D(-)-malic acid and its salts the ADI is not applicable to very young infants. It does not mention pregnant women separately.
Other acidity regulators
E270Lactic acidvery lowE297Fumaric acidvery lowE300Ascorbic acidvery lowE325Sodium lactatevery lowE326Potassium lactatevery lowE327Calcium lactatevery low
See all acidity regulators →Found in these products
Xúc xích phô mai CP (cheese sausage)CP · sausages and processed meat
Bánh que Dorkbua vị Tom Yum (biscuit sticks)Dorkbua · cakes and biscuits
Nước ngọt Fanta hương việt quất (blueberry)Fanta · soft drinks and flavoured drinks
Khoai tây chiên Pringles vị kem chua hành (sour cream & onion)Pringles · snacks
Kẹo mềm Sugus hương trái cây (fruit chews)Sugus · sweets and candy
Nước vải Yeo's (lychee drink)Yeo's · soft drinks and flavoured drinksUpdated 23 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e296)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A (mức sử dụng tối đa) và Phụ lục 3 (phụ gia và nhóm thực phẩm dùng theo GMP)
- JECFA (FAO/WHO) evaluation database: Malic acid, DL-, INS 296