Fumaric acid
Fumaric acid is a dicarboxylic acid, the trans isomer of maleic acid, found in small amounts in plants and fungi. Commercial food-grade fumaric acid is made mainly by isomerizing maleic acid derived from maleic anhydride; fermentation routes exist but are less common. It is a white, nonhygroscopic powder with low water solubility, used in drink mixes, gelatin desserts, tortillas and baked goods, often in a cold-water-soluble grade.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Food-grade fumaric acid as a fine white powder; dissolves slowly in cold water.
Fumaric acid treated with a small amount of wetting agent so it disperses in cold water for drink and dessert mixes.
Coarser grades for blending and lower dust.
Coated fumaric acid that releases later in processing, used in tortillas and meat products.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Fumaric acid does not readily absorb moisture and stores well in closed bags in a cool, dry place. Cold-water-soluble grades should be kept sealed so the wetting treatment is not affected by humidity. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.
Record grade (standard or cold-water-soluble) and particle size for each lot, since a swap changes how fast a dry mix dissolves. Check maleic acid on the COA when qualifying a new supplier.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.350 permits fumaric acid and its calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium salts in food at a level not in excess of the amount reasonably required to accomplish the intended effect.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 172.350 specifies that fumaric acid contains a minimum of 99.5 percent fumaric acid by weight, calculated on the anhydrous basis.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes fumaric acid.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Stoney Creek, Canada
Canadian producer focused on malic acid and food-grade fumaric acid, sold in several grades to food, beverage, confectionery, supplement, animal feed and industrial customers.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standard powder, cold-water-soluble (CWS), granular and encapsulated. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (titration), maleic acid, moisture, residue on ignition, lead and heavy metals and particle size, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Fumaric acid does not readily absorb moisture and stores well in closed bags in a cool, dry place. Cold-water-soluble grades should be kept sealed so the wetting treatment is not affected by humidity. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.
21 CFR 172.350 permits fumaric acid and its calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium salts in food at a level not in excess of the amount reasonably required to accomplish the intended effect. 21 CFR 172.350 specifies that fumaric acid contains a minimum of 99.5 percent fumaric acid by weight, calculated on the anhydrous basis. Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes fumaric acid.
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