Ammonium bicarbonate E 503

These compounds (ammonium ion and bicarbonate ion) are normal

metabolites in man. Although specific toxicological data for ammonium

carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate are limited, extrapolation of

results from studies with ammonium compounds (primarily ammonium

chloride) and with sodium or potassium carbonate provide a basis for

evaluation. Clinical studies in man show that administration of high

doses of ammonium chloride or of sodium bicarbonate results in changes

in the acid-base balance. This is the normal physiological response.

The levels of ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate in the diet from food

additive use are extremely small compared to the levels required to

cause physiological changes and pose no toxicological hazard.

Breathing ammonium bicarbonate can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs leading to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. However, on repeated exposure, bronchitis may develop accompanied by cough and shortness of breath. Contact with eyes or skin may also result in irritation.

When evaluating the toxicological significance of ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate, the thermal decomposition temperatures of both salts are absolutely decisive (for both of them it is stated at about 30-60oC, for ammonium carbonate probably 58oC). In the pastry, some E503 can hardly survive. If a large amount were used, there would be a problem with NH3 emissions, but there is no need to address that trace amount. Using urea to reduce NOx emissions will result in incomparably higher NH3 emissions.