E500 — Sodium carbonates
E500 (Sodium carbonates), a acidity regulator, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. Baking soda and its close relatives. Used as a raising agent and acidity buffer in baked goods. Essentially harmless at food levels.
What is Sodium carbonates?
Includes sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium carbonate. Used as a raising agent in baking, an acidity buffer in confectionery, and a treatment for cocoa to mellow flavour.
What does it do to the body?
Your stomach acid neutralises it instantly to sodium and carbon dioxide (the burp you get after antacids). No safety concern at food levels. Heavy use as an antacid can raise sodium intake.
What regulators say
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical acceptable daily intake.
Risk rating: Watch
Mixed evidence or a specific concern (gut, allergy, or contested safety data). Not alarming, but worth keeping an eye on rather than eating without limit.