YenzoWhat is E501 (potassium carbonates)?
According to Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the forms of E501 have the functions stabiliser, acidity regulator and raising agent; the function of each form is on its own row of the appendix.
E501Potassium carbonates
E501 covers potassium carbonate (501i) and potassium hydrogen carbonate (501ii). In Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT these substances have the functions stabiliser, acidity regulator and raising agent.
- Code
- E501 · INS 501
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 E501 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, stabilizer (501), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
stabilizer (501)stabilizer 501E501INS 501On Vietnamese labels: Kali carbonat
INS sub-codes
INS 501(i)Potassium carbonate
INS 501(ii)Potassium hydrogen carbonate
Sources: Codex CXG 36-1989, Class Names and the International Numbering System (INS)
Questions about potassium carbonates
Is potassium carbonate harmful?
According to the JECFA (FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives) evaluation summaries, potassium carbonate (INS 501i) was last evaluated in 1965 with an ADI of "not limited". Potassium hydrogen carbonate (INS 501ii) also has an ADI of "not limited" from 1965. This is a JECFA evaluation, not an EFSA opinion or the current EU position; no EFSA re-evaluation of E 501 was found.
Is E501 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Potassium carbonate (ins 501(i)) and potassium hydrogen carbonate (ins 501(ii)) are all listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E501?
In the EU, Annex II of Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 permits potassium carbonates (E 501) in category 13.1.3 (processed cereal-based foods and baby foods) and category 13.1.5.1 (foods for special medical purposes for infants), at quantum satis, only as a rising agent. The source says nothing specific about pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other stabilizers
E492Sorbitan tristearatelowE493Sorbitan monolauratelowE494Sorbitan monooleatelowE500Sodium carbonatesvery lowE508Potassium chloridevery lowE509Calcium chloridevery low
See all stabilizers →Found in these products
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Mì Samyang Buldak vị gà cay sốt rosé (rosé hot chicken ramen)Samyang · instant noodles
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Mì ramen Vifon vị nước tương (soy sauce ramen)Vifon · instant noodlesMì ramen HO-YA vị gà (golden chicken ramen)HO-YA · instant noodlesUpdated 21 October 2026
Sources (5)
- 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:e501)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- JECFA Evaluations – POTASSIUM CARBONATE (INS 501i), IPCS INCHEM
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex II Part E, point 13.1 (foods for infants and young children)
- JECFA Evaluations – POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE (INS 501ii), IPCS INCHEM