YenzoWhat is E334 (tartaric acid)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists the functions of L(+)-tartaric acid as acidity regulator, sequestrant, antioxidant and flavour enhancer.
E334Tartaric acid (L(+)-)
E334 is L(+)-tartaric acid, an organic acid found naturally in many fruits, most notably grapes. In food it adjusts acidity and binds metal ions.
Did you know? According to industry information cited by EFSA, L(+)-tartaric acid is produced from tartar, wine lees and/or grape pomace — a by-product of winemaking.
- Code
- E334 · INS 334
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 E334 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, acidity regulator (334), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
acidity regulator (334)acidity regulator 334E334INS 334On Vietnamese labels: Acid tartaric, L(+)-
Tartaric acid in food
Edible ices and fruit icesJams, jellies, marmaladesCocoa and chocolate productsSweets and confectionery
Fresh pasta and noodles
Pickled vegetables
Soups and brothsFlavoured drinksReady-to-eat savouriesQuestions about tartaric acid
Is tartaric acid harmful?
In 2020 EFSA set a group ADI of 240 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as tartaric acid, for L(+)-tartaric acid and tartrates (E 334–E 337, E 354), replacing the earlier 30 mg/kg. In the exposure scenario EFSA judged most relevant, intake in the population groups did not exceed this ADI. When tartaric acid from other additives (E 353, E 472d, E 472e, E 472f) and from natural occurrence is added, the 95th-percentile intake in toddlers would exceed the ADI; EFSA did not consider this to indicate a possible health concern because the exposure was overestimated.
Is L(+)-tartaric acid permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. L(+)-tartaric acid (INS 334) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E334?
In the EU, additives may not be used in foods for infants and young children unless Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 provides for it. Annex II lists E334 in category 13.1.3 (processed cereal-based foods and baby foods), but only the L(+) form and only in biscuits, rusks and baby foods. The Regulation has no separate provision for pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other acidity regulators
E331Sodium citratesvery lowE332Potassium citratesvery lowE333Calcium citratesvery lowE335Sodium tartratesvery lowE336Potassium tartratesvery lowE337Sodium potassium tartratevery low
See all acidity regulators →Updated 20 October 2026
Sources (4)
- 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:e334)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A: nhóm thực phẩm được phép dùng INS 334
- EFSA Journal (2020). Re-evaluation of l(+)-tartaric acid (E 334), sodium tartrates (E 335), potassium tartrates (E 336), potassium sodium tartrate (E 337) and calcium tartrate (E 354) as food additives
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (consolidated text of 18.08.2026): Article 16 and Annex II, Part E, category 13.1 (foods for infants and young children)