Is e381 vegan?

E381 is the E-number for ammonium ferric citrate, a food additive also known as ferric ammonium citrate. This compound is synthetically produced by reacting citric acid with ferric hydroxide or other iron salts, followed by neutralization with ammonia. The citric acid used in this process is typically produced via microbial fermentation of plant sugars, while the iron and ammonia compounds are derived from mineral and synthetic sources. Food manufacturers commonly use it as an acidity regulator, an anticaking agent, or a nutrient supplement to fortify products with iron. It appears in items such as table salt, enriched flours, fortified breakfast cereals, and certain soft drinks.

E381 is vegan because its production relies entirely on synthetic, mineral, and plant or microbial materials. No animal-derived ingredients or animal byproducts are utilized at any stage of manufacturing ferric ammonium citrate. Consequently, foods containing this ingredient are suitable for individuals following a vegan diet.