Raising Agent: E500ii

E500ii, also known as sodium acid carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, is a chemical compound that occurs naturally as the mineral nahcolite. It is manufactured industrially through the Solvay process, which involves reacting sodium chloride and calcium carbonate with ammonia and carbon dioxide.

This ingredient is primarily used as a leavening agent in baked goods, where it reacts with acidic ingredients to produce carbon dioxide gas, causing doughs and batters to rise. It is also used as an acidity regulator and can be found in products like crackers, cookies, cakes, and some processed cheeses.

In the US, sodium bicarbonate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is a common component of antacids and is generally considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in food. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated sodium bicarbonate, and it is permitted for use in foods in many regions.