Fumaric Acid

Fumaric Acid, (E)-but-2-enedioic acid, is a dicarboxylic organic acid with the formula C4H4O4 and a molecular weight of 116.07 g/mol. It is made commercially by isomerising maleic acid, and it occurs naturally in plants and in the body, where it is part of the citric acid cycle.

It is a white crystalline solid that is only slightly soluble in water and almost insoluble in oils. Unlike citric acid it does not take up moisture from the air, which is why it keeps dry mixes free-flowing.

Food-grade Fumaric Acid is held to tight purity limits. The table summarises the key tests in the USP-NF monograph and the EU food additive specification for E297.

• Food acidulant: instant drink powders, gel desserts and dessert mixes, sugar confectionery, chewing gum, and fillings for bakery products.
• Bakery: a leavening acid and preservative in wheat tortillas, and a replacement for tartaric acid in baking powders.
• Beverages: a replacement for citric acid in fruit drinks, needing less acid for the same sourness.
• Wine-making: added after fermentation to stop malolactic fermentation.
• Animal feed: a preservative and acidifier in compound feed and milk replacers.
• Pharmaceuticals: a salt former for active ingredients supplied as fumarate salts, such as quetiapine fumarate and bisoprolol fumarate.
• Industry: unsaturated polyester and alkyd resins, printing inks and paper sizing.
• Iron salts: the raw material for Ferrous Fumarate, the iron fortificant and supplement.

Fumaric Acid is sourer than citric acid, so less of it is needed: about 1 g of Fumaric Acid replaces 1.5 g of citric acid.

Its low solubility suits dry mixes that must stay free-flowing and release acid slowly, such as dessert powders and leavening systems. For clear drinks that need instant dissolving, citric or malic acid is usually the easier choice.

• JECFA (FAO/WHO): INS 297, an acidity regulator and flavouring agent with an acceptable daily intake "not specified", the safest category.
• European Union, food: E297 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 with maximum levels per food category. EFSA is re-evaluating it; its call for data closed in December 2024.
• European Union, wine: permitted to inhibit malolactic fermentation since Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/68, in line with OIV resolution OENO 581A-2021.
• European Union, feed: authorised as a preservative for all terrestrial animal species, and as a flavouring, under Regulation (EU) 2026/171, which renewed the earlier authorisation.
• United States: permitted as a food additive under 21 CFR 172.350 at levels reasonably required for its effect.
• HS code: 2917.19 (India ITC-HS 2917 19 50, "Fumaric acid").

Agarwal Life Sciences packs Fumaric Acid in 25 kg paper bags with an LDPE liner, or in 25 kg and 50 kg HDPE drums.

Store it in well-closed containers in a cool, dry place. Because it does not absorb moisture, it is less prone to caking than hygroscopic acids such as citric acid.

• FCC food, Technical and Feed grades from one manufacturer.
• We also manufacture Ferrous Fumarate, the iron salt of Fumaric Acid.
• 30 years of manufacturing experience, at two GMP plants at MIDC Boisar–Tarapur, Maharashtra.
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