E503 — Ammonium carbonates
E503 (Ammonium carbonates), a acidity regulator, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. Baker's ammonia. The traditional raising agent for crisp cookies, biscotti, and some Scandinavian baked goods. Decomposes completely during baking.
What is Ammonium carbonates?
Baker's ammonia, the old-school raising agent used before baking powder existed. Still used in thin, crisp baked goods like biscotti, springerle, and some Scandinavian cookies.
What does it do to the body?
Breaks down completely during baking into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water, all of which evaporate, so the finished food contains essentially none. Safe.
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.