Baking Powder | whatsinit

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Baking powder is a dry chemical leavening agent composed of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, INS 500ii), one or more acid salts (such as cream of tartar, monocalcium phosphate, or sodium aluminum sulfate), and a starch filler. When moistened and heated it releases carbon dioxide gas, causing batters and doughs to rise during baking.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Baking powder and its constituent components are broadly considered safe; sodium bicarbonate is GRAS under FDA regulations (21 CFR 184.1736) and WHO/JECFA has established no numerical ADI for it, indicating a high safety margin at typical food-use levels. The sodium content may be a concern for individuals managing hypertension or kidney disease. Formulations containing aluminum-based acid salts (e.g., sodium aluminum sulfate) can elevate dietary aluminum exposure, and EFSA has set a tolerable weekly intake for aluminum that may be approached with heavy consumption of such products.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Sodium bicarbonate is authorised as E500(ii) under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives; acid salts such as potassium bitartrate (E336) and monocalcium phosphate (E341) are similarly authorised. Aluminium-containing acid salts are subject to EFSA's tolerable weekly intake for aluminium of 1 mg/kg body weight/week (EFSA ANS Panel, 2008).source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	Baking powder is a recognised food ingredient under FSSAI. The Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011 set a maximum allowable lead contaminant limit of 10 ppm specifically for baking powder. Ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbonate (alternative leaveners) are permitted under GMP / up to 500 ppm in relevant food categories per FSSAI Appendix A.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Sodium bicarbonate, the primary active component of baking powder, is affirmed GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1736; associated acid salts and starch fillers are separately GRAS or approved food additives. FDA Food Additive Status List also permits calcium silicate as an anti-caking agent at up to 5% in baking powder (21 CFR 172.410). Use governed by GMP.source

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Hypertension — Sodium bicarbonate contributes significant sodium to the diet; frequent consumption of baking-powder-leavened foods may exacerbate blood pressure in sodium-sensitive hypertensive individuals.

Kidney Disease — The sodium and bicarbonate load from regular consumption of baking-powder-leavened products may challenge acid-base homeostasis and fluid balance in individuals with impaired kidney function.

Heart Disease — High sodium intake from sodium bicarbonate-based baking powder can contribute to fluid retention and cardiovascular strain in people with heart failure or related conditions.

Other — Baking powder formulations containing aluminium-based acid salts (e.g., sodium aluminium sulfate) may significantly increase dietary aluminium intake; EFSA's tolerable weekly intake of 1 mg Al/kg body weight may be approached by individuals consuming large quantities of aluminium-containing baked goods, with potential neurotoxic and nephrotoxic implications.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FDA. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 184.1736 – Sodium Bicarbonate (GRAS). accessdata.fda.gov
2FDA. FDA Food Additive Status List – Calcium Silicate in Baking Powder. fda.gov
3FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, 2011. fssai.gov.in
4EFSA. Safety of aluminium from dietary intake – EFSA ANS Panel Scientific Opinion, 2008. efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
5WHO. WHO JECFA Food Additives Database – Sodium Bicarbonate (INS 500ii, CAS 144-55-8), 1975. apps.who.int

Independently researched5 citations