YenzoWhat is E297 (fumaric acid)?
It is fumaric acid. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists E297 as an acidity regulator.
E297Fumaric acid
E297 is fumaric acid, an organic acid with a sour taste. In food it is used to control acidity and add sourness, for example in drink powders, jellies and confectionery.
- Code
- E297 · INS 297
- Group
- Acidity regulator
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 E297 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, acidity regulator (297), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
acidity regulator (297)acidity regulator 297E297INS 297On Vietnamese labels: Acid fumaric
Fumaric acid in food
Processed vegetables
Noodles, pasta, cerealsFish and seafood, cannedCoffee, tea, herbal drinksConfectioneryBaked goodsProcessed meatSeasonings, soup cubes, saucesMilk, cheese, creamQuestions about fumaric acid
Is fumaric acid harmful?
The JECFA database (the FAO/WHO expert committee) records a group ADI of “not specified” (no numerical ADI is needed) for fumaric acid and its salts, set in 1989 and kept in 1999. In 1999 JECFA also noted no safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent.
Is INS 297 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Fumaric acid (INS 297) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function acidity regulator.
Other acidity regulators
E270Lactic acidvery lowE296Malic acidvery lowE300Ascorbic acidvery lowE325Sodium lactatevery lowE326Potassium lactatevery lowE327Calcium lactatevery low
See all acidity regulators →Updated 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:e297)
- 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: Fumaric acid, INS 297