Processing Aid · CAS 7447-40-7 · EU E508
Potassium Chloride
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Potassium Chloride is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #32 of 417.
- #32 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Potassium Chloride is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #32 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (92nd percentile).
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #32 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Potassium Chloride: 1,623 tracked U.S. products (common band, #32 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 1,623 · #32 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E508 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 7447-40-7 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Processing Aid | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Potassium Chloride?
Salt substitute providing potassium.
Health Concerns
- Safe for most. Kidney patients should limit.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (1,623 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 1,623
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Potassium Chloride safe to consume?
Potassium Chloride scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (1,623 tracked products, #32 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Potassium Chloride used for in food?
Potassium Chloride shows up as Low-sodium foods, sports drinks in the Processing Aid class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (1,623 products).
Where does Potassium Chloride sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #32 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Potassium Chloride?
The FDA classifies Potassium Chloride as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E508). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Potassium Chloride?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Potassium Chloride: Safe for most. Kidney patients should limit.. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.