# Aluminum Palmitate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 555-35-1
**Category:** emulsifier
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Aluminum palmitate is an aluminum salt of palmitic acid used as an emulsifier, anticaking agent, and formulation aid in food products. It functions to improve texture, prevent clumping, and stabilize ingredient mixtures in various food applications.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Aluminum Palmitate?

Aluminum palmitate (CAS Number 555-35-1) is a chemical compound derived from aluminum and palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It appears as a white to off-white powder and belongs to the class of aluminum salts used in food manufacturing. The compound functions as a multipurpose food additive with emulsifying, anticaking, and formulation aid properties.

## Common Uses

Aluminum palmitate is primarily utilized in food manufacturing for three main purposes:

**Anticaking and Free-Flow Agents**: It is added to powdered and granulated foods such as table salt, spice blends, and powdered sugar to prevent clumping and maintain flowability. This ensures products remain pourable and easy to dispense.

**Emulsifier**: The compound helps stabilize mixtures of ingredients that would normally separate, such as oil and water. This application is valuable in processed foods requiring uniform texture and appearance.

**Formulation Aid**: Aluminum palmitate assists food manufacturers in achieving desired product consistency, texture, and stability during manufacturing and storage processes.

Applications include various processed foods, seasonings, and specialty food products where flow properties and emulsification are important quality factors.

## Safety Assessment

Aluminum palmitate has no reported adverse events in the FDA database and zero associated recalls. These data points indicate no documented safety incidents linked to this additive in the U.S. food supply.

The safety profile of aluminum-containing food additives requires consideration of total aluminum intake. The FDA has established that aluminum from all dietary sources should be monitored, particularly for vulnerable populations. However, aluminum palmitate is not approved as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance in the United States, which means it does not have blanket authorization for use in all food applications.

Aluminum itself is naturally present in many foods and drinking water. The primary health concern with aluminum relates to cumulative exposure rather than acute toxicity. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established safe levels for aluminum additives based on comprehensive toxicological reviews.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, aluminum palmitate is **not** listed as GRAS, meaning manufacturers cannot use it as a direct food additive without specific FDA approval or authorization. Its regulatory status varies by jurisdiction:

**United States**: Not approved as a direct food additive without specific authorization. Any use would require explicit FDA approval for particular food applications.

**European Union**: Aluminum salts, including aluminum palmitate, are not currently approved for direct food use in the EU, though some aluminum compounds are permitted in specific applications with restrictions.

**International**: The Codex Alimentarius Commission provides guidance on aluminum additives, with varying approvals across countries based on individual risk assessments.

Manufacturers seeking to use this additive must obtain appropriate regulatory authorization in their respective jurisdictions before incorporating it into food products.

## Key Studies

Research on aluminum palmitate specifically is limited in the published literature. Available information comes from:

- General toxicological studies on aluminum salts and their bioavailability
- FDA and EFSA assessments of aluminum compounds used in food
- Pharmacokinetic studies examining aluminum absorption from food additives

The lack of adverse event reports and recalls suggests either minimal use, good safety margins when used, or both. However, the lack of GRAS approval indicates insufficient data was provided to FDA for blanket authorization across all food categories.

Further research on this specific compound's bioavailability, long-term consumption effects, and interaction with other dietary components would strengthen the scientific understanding of its safety profile.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Aluminum Palmitate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/aluminum-palmitate. Accessed 2026-05-20.