E297 — Fumaric acid
E297 (Fumaric acid), a acidity regulator, is rated "safe": no significant concern. A naturally occurring acid used as a low-cost alternative to citric acid. Found in baking powder, beverage mixes, and gelatin desserts.
What is Fumaric acid?
A fruit acid found in fumitory and lichen, produced industrially for food use. Common in baking powders, beverage mixes, gelatin desserts, tortillas, and pie fillings.
What does it do to the body?
Part of your body's normal energy cycle (the Krebs cycle), so it gets burned as fuel. No safety issues at food levels.
What regulators say
EFSA confirmed safety in 2014 with no numerical acceptable daily intake. The FDA approves it as GRAS.
Risk rating: Safe
Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.