Salt And Ferrous Gluconate To Stabilize Color

This ingredient is a combination of common salt (sodium chloride) and ferrous gluconate. Salt is a mineral found naturally in the earth and oceans. Ferrous gluconate is a compound made from iron and gluconic acid, a natural acid found in fruits and honey.

Manufacturers add this mixture to foods primarily to stabilize and maintain their natural dark color, especially in products like ripe olives. Ferrous gluconate reacts with natural pigments to prevent them from fading or changing color. Salt also contributes flavor and acts as a preservative in many of these foods.

Salt is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. High sodium intake, primarily from salt, is associated with high blood pressure. The FDA recommends a Daily Value of 2,300 mg of sodium. Ferrous gluconate is an FDA-approved food additive and is also used as a nutrient. JECFA has evaluated ferrous gluconate and set an acceptable daily intake. It is generally considered safe at the levels used in food for color stabilization. The primary health consideration for this ingredient is the sodium content from the salt.