What is E297?
Fumaric acid (E297) is an acidity regulator used to add acidity and support flavour and stability in specified foods. Goodnessly rates E297 Safe, while food-category permissions and the relevant regulator assessment still apply.
Fumaric acid (E297) is an acidity regulator used to add acidity and support flavour and stability in specified foods. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Fumaric acid?
Fumaric acid is an organic acid used as an acidity regulator. It can provide a relatively strong acid taste at low use levels in some formulations.
What's it used for?
- Adjusting acidity
- Supporting flavour balance
- Helping control pH in selected foods
- Contributing to stability in permitted formulations
Where you'll find E297 on the shelf
You may see E297 in dry mixes, beverages, confectionery, bakery products and other foods where acidity needs to be controlled.
Is E297 permitted? What the regulators say
E297 is listed or permitted in the three systems checked, with category, level and specification conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists 297 fumaric acid, subject to Schedule 15 food-category permissions and levels. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The Union list includes E297 fumaric acid for specified food categories and conditions. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | FDA lists fumaric acid and its salts for specified direct food uses under 21 CFR 172.350. |
Goodnessly rates E297 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- EFSA’s 2024 call for data covers fumaric acid and notes that the additive remains to be re-evaluated. JECFA’s current specification material records an ADI not specified.
- JECFA lists the ADI for fumaric acid as not specified. EFSA launched a 2024 call for data for the re-evaluation of E297, so future scientific review may refine the assessment.
- An ADI or “not specified” conclusion is a population risk-assessment reference, not a statement that a particular food is unsafe.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing acidity regulators
- People checking the frequency of acidic additives
- People who want to consider the whole formulation and serving pattern
Goodnessly rates E297 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Fumaric acid
- 297 or E297
- Acidity regulator (297)
- Acid (297)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E297?
E297 is fumaric acid, an acidity regulator used in specified food applications.
Is E297 permitted?
E297 is listed with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU. FDA provides specified uses for fumaric acid and its salts.
Does fumaric acid have an ADI?
JECFA lists the ADI for fumaric acid as not specified; EFSA’s re-evaluation process is ongoing.
How does Goodnessly rate E297?
Goodnessly rates E297 (fumaric acid) as Safe within its rating system.
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